The Colorado Buffaloes are facing a major quarterback issue. With star quarterback Shedeur Sanders heading to the NFL, Coach Prime must now replace one of the best passers in the program’s history.
The Buffaloes are already losing 44% of last season’s offensive production, per ESPN’s returning production rankings. Not all hope has been lost just yet, as Deion Sanders still has Julian Lewis and Kaidon Salter on his roster.
It’s Julian Lewis vs Kaidon Salter for Quarterback
Over the offseason, Deion Sanders has managed to transform their quarterback room rather quickly. They have managed to get Lewis away from the USC Trojans and landed Liberty’s Salter via the transfer portal.
Now, Coach Prime has a tough decision to make, as it is time to decide who will take over Colorado’s offense.
Not so long ago, a video emerged on X from the team’s spring practice, where both Lewis and Salter were seen making some of their best throws. And no doubt, both of them are making a strong case of themselves.
Colorado Wide Receivers vs Cornerbacks 👀
Some Elite Throws from Julian Lewis and Kaidon Salter 🔥
🎥 : @DeionSandersJr pic.twitter.com/V5ziumH7G6
— We Coming 🦬 (@SkoBuffsGoBuffs) March 11, 2025
Salter is the more seasoned player of the two. He started his career with Tennessee in 2021 and later transferred to Liberty, where he became one of the program’s all-time greats. During the 2023 campaign, he won the Conference USA MVP award, making him a top transfer target. Additionally, Salter led the Flames to a 13-1 record. He threw for 2,876 yards and 32 touchdowns, adding 1,064 yards and 12 scores on the ground.
And unlike Lewis, Salter already has experience leading a team at the collegiate level. The Buffaloes struggled with offensive line issues last season, and having a quarterback with Salter’s mobility could help.
However, the question remains whether Salter can adapt to Colorado’s system. It is true that he thrived under Liberty’s offensive scheme. However, adapting to the Deion Sanders playbook while facing a faster-paced Power Five defense could be a challenge.
Meanwhile, Lewis is a name every college football fan will know soon enough. He was one of the most touted quarterbacks in the 2024 class.
At Carrollton High School in Georgia, Lewis set state records with his arm talent, decision-making, and leadership at just 17 years old. He turned down programs like Georgia, Alabama, and USC to join Deion Sanders and the Buffaloes’. Coach Prime has never been one to turn down a player because of experience, so this battle could go either way.
However, if Colorado wants immediate success, Salter’s experience and dual-threat ability make him the safer choice. However, Lewis could be the right choice if Coach Prime wants to build the program around a young star. Additionally, this could set Colorado up for years of success.
KEEP READING: Colorado QB Shedeur Sanders Isn’t Chasing the No. 1 Pick as He’s Focused on the Bigger Picture
The only question is, will Coach Prime opt for Salter’s experience or Lewis’ upside?
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