Three weeks into the 2025 college football season, the Colorado Buffaloes are still searching for a clear answer at quarterback under head coach Deion Sanders. Ryan Staub got the nod in Week 3 for his second career start against Houston, but after a shaky outing in a 36-20 loss, the Buffs find themselves back at square one.
Despite having transfer quarterback Kaidon Salter and five-star freshman Julian Lewis on the roster, neither saw action in the game. At his weekly press conference in Boulder, Sanders was asked what he values most in a potential starter.
“Leadership and consistency,” Sanders said. “That’s all. That’s not too much to ask for. I expect leadership and consistency not just from a quarterback, but from everyone in their life, on and off the field.”
Colorado has a 1-2 record at the beginning of the season after losing to Houston and Georgia Tech. The squad still hasn’t found a full-time starter to replace Shedeur Sanders, who set several school records at quarterback previous season.
Deion Sanders On The Colorado QB Position
Head coach Deion Sanders hasn’t named a starting quarterback for Colorado’s Week 4 matchup against Wyoming, though he didn’t hold back when evaluating Ryan Staub’s performance against Houston.
“Staub didn’t play well,” Sanders admitted after the Week 3 loss. “That wasn’t his best, to say the least.”
Staub went 19-for-35 passing for 204 yards, one touchdown, and two interceptions versus the Cougars. In his previous start against Delaware, he was 5-for-7 for 157 yards and two touchdowns, which had earned him the starting role—making his recent struggles all the more disappointing.
Earlier in the season, transfer Kaidon Salter started the first two games but hasn’t played since the first half against Delaware, finishing those appearances with 30 completions on 44 attempts for 261 yards and a touchdown. Freshman Julian Lewis has only attempted four passes, completing two for a total of eight yards.
So far, the Buffaloes have rotated three quarterbacks in as many games. Salter and Staub have seen the bulk of the action, but neither has produced standout numbers, leaving Colorado without a clear leader under center.
After the Houston loss, Sanders emphasized his focus on correcting mistakes rather than naming a starter immediately. “I have no idea. Right now, I’m not thinking about that. I’m thinking about what transpired and how to prevent … that from happening again,” he said.
In his Tuesday press conference, Sanders hinted that he has a Week 4 starter in mind but chose not to reveal who it is.
Famous Guest In Boulder Gives High Praise
Another significant theme centered on the team’s facility on Tuesday, in addition to the question of who will start at quarterback for Colorado this weekend.
Ice Cube, the well-known musician and actor, was present with Sanders and the team. In a new phase of his connection with Sanders, he visited the facility, saw practices, and spoke with players.
“Much love and respect to all of you,” Ice Cube told the Colorado team when he stopped by. “It’s great to be here. I know a lot of people come through and talk to you guys, and everybody’s got something to say. But the truth is, you’re learning from the best of the best.”
He then pointed to some of the legends on Deion Sanders’ coaching staff, including Hall of Fame defensive tackle Warren Sapp and Hall of Fame running back Marshall Faulk. Ice Cube urged the players to take advantage of having that kind of knowledge around them and really listen to the advice being shared.
Since Sanders took over in Boulder, the program has had a steady stream of celebrities, athletes, and friends of the coach drop in to watch practice or games. While some critics have questioned that approach, it reflects Sanders’ unique style and the personality he brings to the program.
Even with all the star power around the team, though, the biggest question still looming is which quarterback Sanders will name as his starter against Wyoming as Colorado sits at 1-2.