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The quarterback battle in Boulder is already underway as Julian Lewis and Kaidon Salter compete to land the keys to the Colorado offense. The pair signed with the Buffs this offseason with intentions of replacing first-round NFL Draft pick Shedeur Sanders.
The team held its first meeting without Shedeur Sanders in attendance this week. Those two replacement passers were front and center while listening to their head coach.
Lewis committed to the program last year, spurning a prior pledge to USC for a chance to earn early playing time in the Big 12. Considered a five-star talent by Rivals, the starting job appeared his to lose with Sanders moving onto the next level.
Deion Sanders had other plans, though. He brought in veteran signal caller Kaidon Salter from Liberty to provide the quarterback room with both depth and competition. Now, the duo will battle it out in the spring for the rights to that QB1 title.
Salter is a proven commodity under center, posting big numbers at the G5 level with the Flames. Lewis, meanwhile, lacks experience but appears hungry. He’s gotten to campus a semester early, bringing with him a flashy $100k ride. He was seen sitting in the front row of his first team meeting – in Shedeur Sanders’ seat!
🔥 A New Era Begins. QB Julian Lewis Sits in Shedeur’s Seat. Cash Welcomes Him to the Team
“You got big shoes to fill. How you feeling, you ready to go? I don’t have a choice, bro”
📽️ @KingDarius_NS pic.twitter.com/pQipHMOSKu
— JaKi 🇺🇸 (@JaKiTruth) January 13, 2025
Neither Julian Lewis nor Kaidon Salter has been promised the starting job. Salter said as much after signing with the program in December.
“No promises, all competition… JuJu, he’s a younger guy of course, so they wanted somebody in the room that can mentor him and help him come into college and feel comfortable.”
-Kaidon Salter
With that being said, he fully intends on winning the competition and leading the Buffs to a Big 12 championship next season.
Colorado New QB Kaidon Salter on what he’s bringing to the Buffs :
“I’m here to be a Leader and Lead this Team to that Big 12 Championship” 🔥
🎥 : @DeionSandersJr pic.twitter.com/KBCLRgJl1Q
— We Coming 🦬 (@SkoBuffsGoBuffs) January 13, 2025
Colorado will have to decide on whether to go with youth or experience in the 2025 campaign. The quarterback battle starts now with the program moving into a new era. Both parties are eager to compete for the QB1 job. We’ll see who wins out on the field next fall.