Colorado football transfer portal QB addition a 'top-tier bridge' to Julian Lewis

Colorado football's recent transfer portal get under center was deemed a "top-tier bridge" to Julian Lewis
Colorado football's recent transfer portal get under center was deemed a "top-tier bridge" to Julian Lewis | Kevin C. Cox/GettyImages

Kaidon Salter was deemed a "top-tier bridge quarterback" for Colorado football until Julian Lewis is ready to take over the starting job. CBS Sports' Will Backus gave the transfer portal acquisition a "B+" grade, projecting a bounce-back for the ex-Liberty star, who thrived in 2023.

"Salter's production fell off a cliff in 2024, but that was after he lost top target CJ Daniels to the transfer portal. The Flames didn't even have a 500-yard receiver this season. Salter is still the same quarterback that tossed 32 touchdowns and rushed for 12 more while also accounting for 3,965 total yards in 2023. He'll have a better supporting cast in Boulder, and he'll be in an offense that really lets his play-making abilities shine. A top-tier bridge quarterback as the Buffaloes prepare Julian Lewis," Backus wrote of Salter.

Salter is the consensus starter in 2025, meaning Lewis could be facing a redshirt season. In today's NIL market, Coach Prime may be playing with fire sitting Lewis out. But if anyone knows the trials and tribulations of the portal, it's Deion Sanders.

Pat Shurmur instrumental in Colorado football landing Kaidon Salter

Pat Shurmur's involvement in landing Salter suggests he'll stay in Boulder for the foreseeable future. There haven't been any rumors of anyone on Sanders' coaching staff getting looks elsewhere yet, but things could change after the Alamo Bowl.

Shurmur helped Shedeur Sanders become a projected top NFL draft pick, and from the sounds of it, he'll be helping Salter make a name for himself next season as well.

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