The Colorado Buffaloes have officially named Kaidon Salter as their starting quarterback for the 2025 season opener against Georgia Tech, but the decision hasn’t quieted the buzz surrounding freshman phenom Julian “JuJu” Lewis. Head coach Deion Sanders, known for his bold leadership and media magnetism, made the announcement Tuesday, ending months of speculation and igniting fresh debate about Colorado’s offensive identity.

Kaidon Salter: The Veteran Transfer with Dual-Threat Firepower

Salter, a senior transfer from Liberty University, arrives in Boulder with a résumé that reads like a highlight reel. Over four seasons, he threw for 5,887 yards and 56 touchdowns, while rushing for 2,013 yards and 21 more scores. His 2023 campaign was particularly electric—leading Liberty to a 13–1 record and earning MVP honors in the Conference USA Championship Game.

Coach Sanders praised Salter’s experience and versatility: “He’s done it before. This is not his first time running out of the tunnel and getting the start. He’s very versatile. He’s going to impose problems to opposing defenses”.

Salter’s ability to extend plays with his legs and deliver deep strikes downfield gives Colorado a dynamic edge. His dual-threat nature forces defenses to account for both the pass and the run, potentially opening up the playbook for offensive coordinator Pat Shurmur and assistant Byron Leftwich.

Julian “JuJu” Lewis: The Teenage Prodigy with NFL-Level Mechanics

At just 17 years old, Julian Lewis enters the college scene with a high school legacy that borders on legendary. The Carrollton, Georgia native threw for over 11,000 yards and 144 touchdowns in three seasons, earning back-to-back Gatorade Georgia Player of the Year honors and becoming the youngest quarterback ever featured on the cover of Sports Illustrated.

Lewis reclassified from the 2026 class to 2025 and flipped his commitment from USC to Colorado last November. His mechanics, quick release, and pinpoint accuracy have drawn comparisons to elite NFL distributors. As Coach Sanders put it, “JuJu is coming around the mountain when he comes. And I love him, I love what he brings to the table”.

Though Lewis won’t start Week 1, Sanders hinted at a potential platoon system: “We’re praying and hoping that you see some JuJu periodically through the game. We’d like to get him some reps, but the game predicates that”.

Why This Duo Matters

Colorado’s quarterback room reflects a strategic balance between present experience and future promise. Salter offers immediate leadership and proven production, crucial for a team looking to rebound from a 4–8 season. Lewis, meanwhile, represents the long-term vision—a quarterback who could redefine the Buffaloes’ offense for years to come.

The matchup against Georgia Tech will test Colorado’s ability to execute under pressure. Salter’s mobility could neutralize Tech’s aggressive front seven, while Lewis’s arm talent might be deployed in situational packages to stretch the field.

Whether this season becomes a showcase for Salter’s final collegiate chapter or the beginning of Lewis’s ascent, one thing is clear: the Buffaloes have options, and the quarterback drama in Boulder is just getting started.

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