Deion Sanders makes a stunning QB decision ahead of Colorado's matchup with Houston

Colorado's 31-7 win over Delaware last week brought a stunning twist to the ongoing QB competition for Deion Sanders. After the offense was mostly disappointing in the season-opening loss to Georgia Tech, Coach Prime was searching for answers in Week 2.

It was revealed in the lead-up to last week's game that freshman Julian Lewis was going to get reps at QB, regardless of the situation on Saturday. Colorado needed an offensive spark, and they figured it would come from the talented true freshman.

Instead, it actually came from third-stringer Ryan Staub, who suddenly became an unexpected competitor for the starting job. Staub came in and completed 7-of-10 passes for 157 yards and two touchdowns. He entered the game with Colorado leading just 10-7, and promptly led a pair of touchdown drives that gave the Buffaloes the separation they had struggled to gain.

Now, Staub has an even bigger opportunity. On Tuesday, ESPN's Pete Thamel reported that the redshirt sophomore QB would start over Kaidon Salter and Julian Lewis for Friday's road matchup against Houston:

Pivoting to Ryan Staub at QB is the boldest move of Coach Prime's coaching career

In the boldest move of Coach Prime's coaching career, he's pivoting to Staub at QB.

The consensus coming into this season was that Liberty transfer Kaidon Salter would be QB1. He brought a new dynamic to the offense with his dual-threat ability. He also brought a plethora of game experience, starting 29 games over three seasons with the Flames.

Salter starting this year would serve to make for a smooth transition to Julian Lewis in 2026 and beyond.

Now, the present and the future are in flux following Sanders' bold move. Salter didn't transfer to Colorado to sit on the bench for his final season of eligibility. What he chooses to do now will need to be followed closely.

Staub is just a redshirt sophomore, too, and if he shines, then it will not be easy for the planned changing of the guard in 2026. That could put Lewis's future in Boulder up in the air moving forward, too, as the talented freshman phenom didn't intend on serving as a backup at Colorado for multiple seasons. That almost certainly was never even discussed during his recruitment.

But you have to credit Sanders for making this move. It's gutsy. Arguably the gutsiest call he's made in his coaching career thus far. But based on the performance of the QBs last week, it feels like it's the right decision to put Colorado in the best position to win football games right now.

Staub gives Colorado more of a vertical passing threat. With Salter, the passing game was too horizontal, and his legs had yet to make up the difference in what the Buffs were losing. With Staub, the offense looked much more balanced.

Sanders' decision to start Staub is further proof that he is willing to do whatever it takes to put his team in the best position to succeed.