Despite the expectation from most that Liberty transfer Kaidon Salter will be the starting quarterback for Colorado, it's clear from spring practice and fall camp that JuJu Lewis is a transcendent talent who has no interest in waiting for his turn. He wants the now as much as he wants the future, and he's mounted a serious challenge to Salter in camp.
There's a reason Deion Sanders brought both quarterbacks with him to Big 12 Media Days last month. That wasn't for show; the QB competition in Boulder is real, and it's heated between two talented players who are both capable of replacing Shedeur Sanders.
Lewis is more of the Sanders archetype - he's accurate and polished, wise beyond his years for a true freshman. Salter is more of a dual-threat, and would represent a fundamental change in Colorado's offensive philosophy. OC Pat Shurmur has stated explicitly that he wants to run the football this year, but the Buffs finished dead last in the FBS in rushing yards per game a year ago. While there should be improvement, especially with Salter's legs bringing a new dynamic, it's fair to question whether there will be enough improvement to make that fundamental change worthwhile.
PFF predicts JuJu Lewis to make an immediate impact for Colorado
What isn't a question is that Lewis is an extremely talented football player who looks like he's ready to play immediately. PFF sees it too, and recently ranked Lewis among the 10 true freshmen in the country most likely to make an immediate impact.
What his role will be isn't yet known; Shurmur recently made comments that you could interpret as the Buffs potentially planning on a two-QB system in 2025. That could make sense, considering how dynamic Salter can be in the ground game and what should be a massively improved Colorado offensive line.
Salter is a good passer, too, but Lewis can elevate the passing offense to another level that Salter probably can't reach. Salter gives Coach Prime's team a higher floor, but the ceiling could be higher with the freshman.
The most likely scenario remains that it's a true two-QB system in Boulder this season. Salter is the starter and gets the majority of the reps, but there are packages to take advantage of Lewis's skills. This way, they can limit Lewis from getting overwhelmed with too much knowledge as a freshman, all the while still getting him on the field to run packages of plays that he has mastered.