Now Colorado fans are wanting Ryan Staub as QB1

The Colorado Buffaloes needed a jolt. The offense has sputtered for a game and a half, and Folsom Field was begging for life. That spark came from a name few outside the program had circled: Ryan Staub.

The sophomore quarterback didn’t even start. He was listed third on the depth chart. But when his chance came, he seized it in a way that felt eerily familiar to Buffs fans.

He flashed Shedeur Sanders’ famous wrist flex after torching Delaware’s defense — and suddenly, the conversation around Colorado’s quarterback room has a whole new center.

Staub steals the show

Staub wasn’t supposed to be the story Saturday. Deion Sanders had said all three quarterbacks would get two series each before anyone separated themselves. But Staub’s play was too sharp to ignore.

He entered late in the first half and immediately drove the Buffs 75 yards in just 36 seconds, capped by a 21-yard strike to Dekalon Taylor. On the first drive of the second half, he hit Sincere Brown for a 70-yard touchdown that sent Folsom into a frenzy.

Final line: 7-of-10 passing, 157 yards, 2 touchdowns. That’s efficiency, confidence, and command — all from a guy who’s been sitting patiently in the shadows.

Fans didn’t just notice. They started chanting. They started tweeting. By the end of the game, #RyanStaub was gaining traction across Buffs Nation.

Learning from Shedeur

Staub’s wrist-flex celebration was a statement.

For two years, he’s studied behind Shedeur Sanders, arguably the most polished passer Colorado has ever seen. Staub has been in the film room, at practice, learning the little things that separate a good quarterback from a great one.

“I’ve been blessed to sit behind him,” Staub said postgame. “The way he sees the game, the way he works every day, I’ve tried to take as much as I can. Saturday was just me finally getting to apply it.”

It showed. Staub played with composure, delivering throws on time and moving the offense at a tempo that reminded fans of what the Buffs looked like at their best last season.

A QB controversy brewing

Of course, Coach Prime wasn’t quick to crown anyone. After the win, he stuck to the script:

“The plan was each quarterback was going to get two series apiece, and that’s what we did. Somebody was going to come out of the pack,” Sanders said.

Well, somebody did. And now the question heading into Big 12 play is simple: Will Staub get his shot to run this offense full-time?

Kaidon Salter had his moments, using his legs but missing key throws. Freshman five-star Julian “JuJu” Lewis flashed his arm but looked every bit the newcomer. Staub? He looked ready.

That’s why fans are buzzing. Because Staub’s performance “for a third-stringer” was the best quarterback play we’ve seen so far this season.

The fan pulse

If you were in Folsom, you felt it. The energy shifted the second Staub took the field. He owned the game. And for this fanbase that’s been desperate for rhythm on offense, that mattered.

Social media exploded with Buffs fans demanding Staub be named QB1 heading into Houston. And while Coach Prime won’t be swayed by social media, he’s never been shy about rewarding players who prove it on the field.

Staub just proved it. Against Delaware, yes. But the tape doesn’t lie: the ball came out quick, receivers were in rhythm, and the offense finally looked alive.

What’s next

Now the debate begins. Is this Staub’s team? Or was it just a hot hand against an overmatched opponent?

One thing’s for sure: Ryan Staub gave Buffs fans a reason to believe again. And after the struggles vs Georgia Tech, that’s momentum.

Colorado heads into Houston next weekend with a decision looming. Experience versus production. Ceiling versus right-now results.

For Buffs Nation, the choice feels obvious.

Ryan Staub isn’t just QB3 anymore. He’s the quarterback who brought life back to Folsom Field.

And fans are ready to ride with him.

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