Colorado Buffaloes might have the first QB controversy since Sanders’ arrival
The concept most coaches hope to never have. The coaching job would arguably be better if the QB was established and no one questioned it. However, that’s not how things work in the world of popular sports. Viewers are going to have an opinion; media are going to have an opinion as well as the players and coaches in any given program. As many programs tend to learn the hard way, they can’t prevent the conversation and having the conversation does not equate to anything negative. The fans that watch and the media that covers the University of Colorado Buffaloes football program are having that conversation this week.
On Tuesday morning, a respected ESPN reporter Pete Thamel tweeted “Sources: Colorado is expected to start Ryan Staub at quarterback for the game at Houston on Friday Night.” That obviously started a cascading effect of almost every noteworthy sports outlet in the country running with that story. Pete Thamel is not a reporter that floats clickbait and therefore, it was somewhat surprising when that report was met with indifference at a weekday press conference. Every coach in the country wants to control the media narratives and no coach in the history of sports has ever been able to do so.
There’s a reason, “that’s why they play the games” is an often-used phrase is sports. Everything doesn’t always go to plan. If it did, winning games would be easy. In the offseason, for the 3rd year in a row, Deion Sanders had the recruiting flip of the year, flipping Freshman QB Juju Lewis from USC. For many fans, that represented “QB position solved” for the program in 2025. Whether it’s because Lewis is 17 years old or simply wanting options, Sanders also brought in senior transfer from Liberty, Kaidon Salter. Salter provides a lack of urgency for Lewis to be ready right away. Or so it seemed.
Kaidon Salter is an interesting QB because while at Liberty, he appeared to be every bit the textbook definition of a dual threat QB. There is plenty of tape that shows Salter not hesitating to tuck it and run, creating real chunk plays. Prior to Colorado, Salter seemed like a capable thrower, but not an impressive thrower. Let’s not sugarcoat this. If you combine both of Salter’s best statistical seasons combined, they don’t equal what Shedeur Sanders did in 2024 as a pocket passer. Where Salter moves the needle, is the idea of adding the combined 1,600 yards and 19 touchdowns on the ground from those same years. Yet through two games, Salter seems almost opposed to being the dual threat QB he already proved he can be. The brutal honesty is the passing performance has not been good enough for Salter to try to be exclusively a pocket passer.
Juju Lewis is almost a completely different story. Lewis is a pocket passer with real arm talent. What cannot be forgotten though is Lewis is a 17-year old Freshman. It would be irresponsible to expect Lewis to perform like a senior who already has three years of starting experience, like Salter. There does not seem to be any sense from the program or its fans to suggest that Juju Lewis won’t be the solidified starter for the Buffaloes at some point. With the amount of snaps Lewis has seen in 2025, it would be unfair to say anyone knows what he is or can be this year. The approach being taken with Lewis and Colorado does feel like the right approach. There may be a time to completely pass the proverbial baton to Lewis, but there have not been many indicators thus far to suggest it should be against Houston.
Then there is the Ryan Staub. Deion Sanders has an admitted affection for Rudy types and guys who consistently put in the work without the promise of starting. One could argue Ryan Staub fits both. A three-year player for the Buffs who had less than 50 pass attempts going into the 2025 season. Yet in some spot duty, specifically in 2023, Staub proved he can handle the moment. In a backup situation, Staub did what any coach would expect. Move the offense, don’t lose the game, and take your shots when they’re there. At no point in any of Staub’s Colorado game action has the moment ever been too big. In each outing, he has shown a willingness to grip and rip it. Against Utah, Staub looked good even against a significant rush. Making completions many were surprised to see. In the game vs Delaware Staub added to his resume as he was able to move the offense better than the QBs that went in ahead of him.
In many aspects of life, people will say follow the money. When it comes to team sports on any level, follow the teammate’s reactions. Whether it was on the sidelines or in the locker room after the game. There were reactions to Staub’s play that suggested his teammates view him as more than a Rudy. While no one expects to see CU starters laying down their jerseys on Coach Prime’s desk, there is no shortage of positive if not jubilant teammate reactions to Staub’s play. Players don’t make coaching decisions, but those reactions should be considered. As for his performances, he shows an ability to be ‘adamant’ with his play. Something that feels needed at this early juncture of the season.
Ultimately, Coach Prime doesn’t have to confirm anything to the press. He’s made it clear that he will provide such information when he wants to or when required to by the NCAA or the Big12. Not giving the media or Houston for that matter, a heads up prior to Friday is his prerogative and could be strategic. The Tuesday pushback was a little odd. Staub is getting first team reps. Staub was the best at moving the offense last week. Coach Prime called him
"Martin Luther Staub". Prime and others in the program have sung Staub’s praises consistently. Coach doesn’t need to name Staub the starter for Houston because the people are asking for it. The coach needs to consider starting Staub because if he doesn’t and they struggle against Houston, it’s going to seem like a great deal of positive reaction, belief, and a confidence in his ability over time was a smoke and mirrors charade.
Whatever happens on Friday night will be the decision of the coaching staff, which is how it’s supposed to work. They are under no obligation to reveal their intentions before Friday. If those intentions do not include Staub in any substantive way, the QB controversy questions are only going to get bigger and more frequent. Especially for a program that champions consistency, hard work, and performing when called upon.
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