Ryan Staub’s rise from third-string quarterback to Colorado’s unexpected spark against Delaware was a story of patience and resilience.
The junior, who entered the game after Kaidon Salter and Julian Lewis struggled to move the offense, immediately gave the Buffaloes life. On his first drive, he connected with Dekalon Taylor for a 21-yard touchdown that capped a 75-yard march. As Staub jogged off the field, Coach Prime pulled him into an embrace and told him, “I believe in you, man!”
On the Buffs very next series, to start out the second half, Staub dropped a 71-yard bomb into the hands of Sincere Brown. The stadium roared as Staub struck Shedeur Sanders’ trademark pose, a celebration that symbolized both confidence and a shift in momentum.
Ryan Staub hit Shedeur's celebration after the TD ⌚️@CUBuffsFootball pic.twitter.com/8eyLAy8zYk
— FOX College Football (@CFBONFOX) September 6, 2025
For Staub, it was validation of a journey few could imagine. He is the only remaining member of Colorado’s 2022 recruiting class, a quarterback who chose to stay in Boulder under Coach Prime while every one of his classmates transferred out.
The decision was fueled by belief. Asked about his approach in the offseason, Staub said: “I’m trying to go out there and make every play the best play, but really just develop and take this time to grow as a player, grow as a teammate, and kind of whatever happens happens. I’m in the middle of year three and obviously I have goals and dreams in mind, but it’s a long journey and I’m pushing every day.”
When pressed on how he viewed the competition after Colorado added Salter and five-star Lewis, he leaned on his edge. “It’s really up to me just to kind of use the advantage I have of knowing the offense and having that edge. Just again, every day I’m trying to be the best player I can be and be the best quarterback and the best teammate I can be.”
Against Delaware, those words became reality. Staub didn’t just step in. He delivered at the exact moment his team needed him most, proof that in Boulder, sometimes patience and loyalty pay off with perfect timing.
Shedeur is loving what he's seeing today from third-string QB Ryan Staub and the Buffs 🔥 ⌚ pic.twitter.com/oAXQOVo2Bf
— Yahoo Sports (@YahooSports) September 6, 2025
The performance also earned approval from QB1 himself. After a photo of Staub’s touchdown celebration hit social media, Shedeur Sanders dropped a fire emoji in the comments. It was simple but powerful nod from a Colorado legend to a former teammate who carried the torch in his absence.
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