Colorado Buffaloes head coach Deion Sanders is preparing for what he describes as a more complex decision in choosing the starting quarterback for the 2025 season. This year’s competition between Kaid’ton Salter, a transfer from Liberty, and freshman Julian Lewis adds uncertainty to the process. Sanders previously had a straightforward choice with his son Shedeur, who was the obvious selection in prior years. Now, with the Buffaloes’ first game against Georgia Tech just weeks away, Sanders emphasizes that both Salter and Lewis have the potential to succeed.
‘Both these guys can play,’ Sanders stated, noting that the team can ‘play well with either one of them.’ Salter, who has a strong track record with Liberty, and Lewis, a five-star recruit from Georgia, are both seen as strong candidates. The decision will ultimately be made by Sanders, who is confident in both players’ abilities. Salter had a solid few seasons with Liberty, posting 66 total touchdowns over the last two years with the Flames – 47 passing and 19 rushing. Sanders praised Salter’s versatility, describing the player as a ‘guy with multiple talents’ who ‘could throw the football and he could run the heck out of the football.’ The kid is going to cause havoc,’ he added.
Lewis, a talented freshman quarterback who was a standout in high school, was considered a five-star recruit at Carrollton High School in Georgia, throwing for 11,010 yards. Sanders expressed enthusiasm about Lewis’s potential, stating, ‘I love everything about the kid, and he’s going to soar. When it’s his turn, trust me, you’re going to know and he’s going to soar.’ The competition between the two athletes is welcomed, with Sanders describing Salter and Lewis as ‘friends’ who are ‘trying to make each other better.’ The two have also introduced each other to each other’s families, adding a personal dimension to their rivalry.
Lewis remarked, ‘We’ve talked more about life than football, which I think has actually helped us build a better relationship off the field. Just trying to keep it friendly, just keep it team-related.’ This camaraderie and mutual respect are expected to enhance the team’s dynamics as they prepare for the upcoming season. The stakes are high for the Buffaloes, with the first game against Georgia Tech less than two weeks away, and Sanders is confident in the ability of either player to lead the team to success.