Coach Prime reveals starting quarterback vs Georgia Tech

It’s official. After months of speculation, a spring of whispers, and a summer of outright debate, we finally have our answer: Kaidon Salter will start at quarterback for the Colorado Buffaloes when they host Georgia Tech on Friday night at Folsom Field.

This is the beginning of the most anticipated chapter in the Coach Prime era — one that Buffs fans have been anxiously waiting to see unfold ever since Shedeur Sanders took his talents to the NFL.

A veteran who’s earned his shot

Salter isn’t some unknown stepping into the spotlight. The Liberty transfer has been around the block, winning Conference USA MVP in 2023 and guiding the Flames to a combined 21-4 record over two seasons.

His numbers speak for themselves: nearly 6,000 career passing yards, 56 touchdowns through the air, more than 2,000 rushing yards, and 21 scores with his legs. He’s a true dual threat, the type of quarterback Colorado fans have seen tear us apart in the past.

Coach Prime made it clear Tuesday that experience was the deciding factor. “He has a serious but fun-loving nature. He wants to win, shine on this stage. This is the largest stage he’s ever been on. He wants that smoke,” Sanders said.

You can feel the confidence. Salter’s the guy Coach Prime trusts to open the season against a Georgia Tech team that received votes in the preseason AP poll.

The JuJu Lewis factor

Of course, this doesn’t mean the quarterback competition is over forever. Freshman phenom Julian “JuJu” Lewis will see the field. Prime said as much, hinting that Lewis will “get into the game.”

But here’s the reality: as much as fans dream about JuJu’s future, Friday night isn’t about tomorrow. It’s about now. And right now, Salter gives Colorado the best chance to win.

Offensive coordinator Pat Shurmur hammered that home: “There’s really no substitute, in my opinion, for good experience.”

Translation: Lewis is the future. But Salter is the present.

Prime’s respect, Prime’s vision

What stood out just as much as the quarterback decision was Sanders’ respect for his Week 1 opponent. Before announcing Salter, Coach Prime made sure to tip his hat to Georgia Tech coach Brent Key. “They’ve played their butts off under his leadership the past few years,” Sanders said.

Coach Prime knows the Yellow Jackets aren’t a pushover. He also knows a national TV audience will be watching. The Buffs want to show the country that Colorado football is still box office entertainment and still a winning football team.

A night of tradition and legacy

Friday won’t just be about Salter’s first start or Prime’s third season. It’s also about honoring the past. CU will wear its classic black jerseys, gold pants, and gold helmets as a tribute to the late Bill McCartney, the legendary coach who delivered Colorado’s only national championship in 1990.

It feels fitting. A night that bridges eras — from McCartney’s glory days, to Shedeur’s star power, to Salter’s chance at carving his own piece of Buffs history.

Look, Buffs fans: we’ve been here before. We’ve been burned by false hope, hyped recruits, and tough transitions. But Salter is a proven winner with the dual-threat skill set to keep defenses guessing.

He may not have the Sanders name on the back of his jersey, but Prime’s confidence says everything. “He wants that smoke.” That’s all you need to know.

Georgia Tech is a worthy Week 1 opponent, but make no mistake: this is Colorado’s stage. Folsom Field. Friday night lights. Salter has earned his shot and Coach Prime knows exactly how to make moments like this count.

This is the start of something new — and maybe, just maybe, something special.

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