Entering the 2025 season, the biggest question for Deion Sanders and Colorado was who would replace Shedeur Sanders, who quarterbacked the Buffaloes the last two seasons. Sanders set a program record with 64 touchdowns in 2023 and 2024.
Coach Prime brought in two highly touted quarterbacks: Kaidon Salter, who transferred from Liberty after winning the Conference USA MVP in 2023, and Juju Lewis, a five-star true freshman recruit. But the Buffaloes’ answer at quarterback might be neither of them.
Redshirt freshman Ryan Staub entered the game in the second quarter, throwing two touchdowns for a Colorado team that had been struggling offensively. While it was expected that Salter and Lewis would both see playing time, Staub has been the standout of the three for Colorado.
RYAN STAUB DEEP TO SINCERE BROWN 🎯
— FOX College Football (@CFBONFOX) September 6, 2025
The @CUBuffsFootball's third-string QB is on a roll pic.twitter.com/mUmeNvMjbs
Staub had 157 yards and two touchdowns in a 31-7 win over Delaware. Colorado advanced to 1-1 after losing to Georgia Tech in week one.
“I had a dream… I saw something and I just wanted to chase it.”
— Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) September 6, 2025
Ryan Staub after his 157 yd, 2 TD performance 😤
(via @CFBONFOX)pic.twitter.com/B2V1tuxAQw
Here's what you need to know about the Buffaloes' signal-caller who took over the reigns against Delaware.
Who is Ryan Staub?
Staub is from Stevenson Ranch, California and committed to the Buffaloes in 2023.
In his first year at Colorado, he made his first career start against Utah in the final game of the season. In the absence of Sanders, Staub threw for 195 yards and a touchdown to Travis Hunter. He was the backup to Sanders in 2024, appearing in four games.
Coach Prime to Ryan Staub:
— Nick Rothschild (@nick_rothschild) September 6, 2025
"I believe in you, man"#Denver7 pic.twitter.com/Ijagk98mz4
Ryan Staub high school
Staub, who played at West Ranch High School, was a three-star recruit in the 2023 class. As a senior, he completed 200 of 321 passes for 3,008 yards, 37 touchdowns and five interceptions. He also rushed 35 times for 363 yards and four touchdowns, helping West Ranch to an 11-1 record.
Ryan Staub stats
| Season | Games | Completion rate | Pass yards | Pass TD | INT | Rush yards |
| 2023 | 3 | 57.5% | 254 | 1 | 0 | -26 |
| 2024 | 3 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 4 |
The majority of Staub's college action came in 2023, when he completed 23-of-40 passing attempts for 254 yards and a touchdown. He started the final game of the 2023 season against Utah, where he threw his lone touchdown to 2024 Heisman winner Travis Hunter. He also appeared in a win against Nebraska at Folsom Field and a blowout loss to Washington State.
— Shedeur Sanders (@ShedeurSanders) September 6, 2025
In 2024, Staub only played 20 snaps and had four pass attempts.