Whoever starts at QB for Colorado will be fleshed out in fall camp, which begins on Tuesday in Boulder. Regardless of who Deion Sanders ultimately chooses, one thing is clear: the Buffaloes have two talented options at the position and should be comfortable moving forward with either.
Veteran Kaidon Salter, who was a multi-year starter at Liberty before transferring to Colorado in the winter portal window, is the favorite to earn the gig. Salter gives Colorado something they didn't have the last two seasons with Shedeur Sanders under center. Salter is a true dual-threat QB. Along with throwing for over 4700 yards over the last two seasons, Salter added over 1600 yards on the ground.
With what should be an improved offensive line, the Buffaloes could take a major step forward with their ground game.
If Salter isn't the guy, then 4-star true freshman JuJu Lewis will be. Lewis has earned high praise from Coach Prime and is the future face of the program. At worst, Salter is a bridge QB for a year, and then Lewis takes over the starting job in 2026 and beyond. But the youngster has the juice and will push Salter in fall camp for the job. He has no interest in waiting for his turn.
According to Colorado beat writer Brian Howell, this might be the most talented QB room in Boulder in over 30 years.
"At the start of preseason camp, the battle for the starting job isn't settled, but Salter and Lewis might form the most talented duo of quarterbacks at CU since 1994, when Koy Detmer was a backup to Kordell Stewart," Howell writes.
Coach Prime seems comfortable moving forward with either QB
At Big 12 Media Days a few weeks ago, Deion Sanders spoke highly of both of the quarterbacks competing for the starting gig.
Sanders brought both quartebacks with him to Frisco, signaling the competition is ongoing.
"Kaidon is off the chain," Sanders said. "He's been there, done that. He can get the job done. I wouldn't have brought him here if I didn't trust him. Bu JuJu is coming on round the mountain when he comes. I love what he brings to the table... We can't lose either way with either of those two."
One thing is certain, regardless of who wins the job: the Colorado offense should look markedly different than it did a year ago. Both Salter and Lewis are dual-threat quarterbacks who want to make things happen with their legs. Offensive coordinator Pat Schumer will dial up plays that take advantage of both's athleticism.
Normally, a QB battle would be the biggest story of fall camp. But with Coach Prime's medical issues, and rumors swirling about his upcoming press conference on Monday, it has taken a back seat for now.