The Duel Under the Flatirons: A Pivotal Moment for Colorado Football

The Colorado Buffaloes stand at a crossroads in 2025. The departure of Shedeur Sanders, a polarizing yet pivotal figure in the program, has left a void at quarterback that two very different players are vying to fill. Kaidon Salter, the seasoned transfer from Liberty, and Julian “JuJu” Lewis, the five-star freshman phenom, represent contrasting paths forward for a program still finding its footing in the Big 12. This competition is more than just a battle for snaps; it’s a referendum on the direction of the Buffaloes’ offense and the vision of head coach Deion Sanders.

The Post-Sanders Void: Opportunity and Uncertainty

Deion Sanders’ arrival in Boulder was a seismic event in college football. His tenure brought immediate attention, roster turnover, and a new energy to the program. However, the Sanders era was always going to be a transitional one. With Shedeur Sanders now playing in the NFL, the Buffaloes face a critical inflection point. The void left by Shedeur is substantial—his experience, leadership, and familiarity with the offense cannot be easily replicated. Yet, this transition also presents an opportunity. The program can now shape its identity around a new quarterback, one who may bring a different skill set and approach to the game.

The 2025 quarterback competition is thus one of the most consequential storylines for Colorado. It will determine not just who takes the snaps in the fall, but also the trajectory of the offense and the team’s standing in the competitive Big 12. The stakes are high, and the decision will reverberate beyond the 2025 season.

Kaidon Salter: The Veteran with Something to Prove

Kaidon Salter arrives in Boulder with a resume that suggests both promise and unpredictability. His journey through college football has been marked by moments of brilliance and periods of inconsistency, making him an intriguing but enigmatic figure in this competition.

The Liberty Years: A Mixed Bag

Salter’s time at Liberty was a study in contrasts. In 2023, he was a standout, earning Conference USA Most Valuable Player honors and showcasing his dual-threat capabilities. His arm strength and athleticism made him a dynamic playmaker, capable of extending plays with his legs and making throws to all levels of the field. However, his 2024 season was a disappointment, leading to his decision to transfer. This inconsistency is both a strength and a weakness. It demonstrates his potential but also raises questions about his ability to sustain excellence.

Strengths and Weaknesses

Salter’s physical tools are undeniable. He possesses elite arm strength and the athleticism to make plays outside the pocket. His experience at the collegiate level gives him an edge in terms of understanding the game and reading defenses. However, his decision-making and turnover issues have been areas of concern. In Boulder, he will need to refine his mechanics, improve his accuracy, and make smarter choices in the pocket.

The Hunger Factor

Perhaps Salter’s greatest asset is his hunger. He is acutely aware that this is a pivotal moment in his career. A strong showing in fall camp and a successful season at Colorado could rejuvenate his NFL prospects and solidify his status as a proven collegiate quarterback. This drive, combined with his experience, makes him a formidable competitor in this battle.

Julian Lewis: The Five-Star Phenom with a Steep Learning Curve

Julian “JuJu” Lewis is the embodiment of the future. A five-star recruit with elite arm talent and poise beyond his years, Lewis represents the potential for a transformative offense at Colorado. However, the transition from high school to college football is a daunting one, and Lewis will need time to adjust to the speed and complexity of the game at the highest level.

The Hype is Justified

Lewis’s high school career was nothing short of extraordinary. He possesses a rare combination of arm talent, accuracy, and football IQ. His ability to make difficult throws look routine and his poise in the pocket have drawn comparisons to some of the game’s elite quarterbacks. His presence at Big 12 Media Days as a true freshman underscores the high expectations surrounding him.

The Challenges Ahead

Despite his prodigious talent, Lewis faces significant challenges. The speed of college football is vastly different from high school, and the playbook will be more complex. He will need to learn to read defenses quickly, develop chemistry with his receivers, and make split-second decisions under pressure. These are hurdles that even the most talented freshmen struggle with, and Lewis will need patience and support as he navigates them.

The Value of Competition

Lewis is not shying away from the competition with Salter. In fact, he recognizes the value of having a veteran presence pushing him. Learning from Salter’s experience and embracing the challenge can accelerate his development and prepare him for the future. The relationship between the two quarterbacks will be a key storyline in fall camp, as both players vie for the starting job while also supporting each other’s growth.

Deion Sanders’ Dilemma: Experience vs. Potential

Deion Sanders is no stranger to bold decisions. His coaching style is characterized by a willingness to take risks and trust his instincts. This philosophy could lead him to lean toward Lewis, betting on his potential to transform the offense. However, the decision is far from straightforward.

The Case for Salter

Salter’s experience and maturity give him a higher floor. He has proven himself at the collegiate level and understands the demands of playing in a Power Five conference. His dual-threat ability could allow the Buffaloes to diversify their offensive approach, utilizing his athleticism to create mismatches and extend plays. Additionally, Salter’s presence could provide stability and leadership for a young team.

The Case for Lewis

Lewis’s ceiling is undeniably higher. His arm talent and football IQ suggest that he could develop into an elite quarterback, capable of leading the Buffaloes to new heights. Sanders’ track record of developing young talent could be a factor in his decision, as he may believe that Lewis’s potential outweighs the risks of a freshman starter.

The Decision-Making Process

Ultimately, Sanders’ decision will be based on a combination of factors. Performance in fall camp will be paramount, as both quarterbacks will have the opportunity to showcase their skills in a competitive setting. Leadership qualities, chemistry with the offense, and the overall makeup of the team will also play a role. The decision will not be made in a vacuum; it will be shaped by the broader context of the program’s needs and goals.

The Offensive Impact: Shaping the Buffaloes’ Identity

The choice between Salter and Lewis will have a profound impact on the Buffaloes’ offensive identity. Each quarterback brings a different skill set and approach to the game, which will influence the play-calling and strategic decisions of the coaching staff.

Salter’s Dual-Threat Potential

If Salter wins the starting job, the offense is likely to emphasize his dual-threat capabilities. This could lead to a more run-heavy approach, utilizing Salter’s athleticism to create opportunities on the ground. Play-action passes and designed runs could become staples of the offense, with Salter extending plays with his legs when the pocket collapses. This approach would require a strong commitment to the running game and a willingness to take calculated risks with the quarterback’s mobility.

Lewis’s Passing Prowess

If Lewis emerges as the starter, the offense is likely to prioritize the passing game. His elite arm talent and accuracy would allow the Buffaloes to stretch the field vertically, challenging defenses with deep shots and precise throws to all levels. This approach would require a strong offensive line to protect Lewis in the pocket and a corps of reliable receivers to make plays downfield.

The Role of the Offensive Line

Regardless of who wins the starting job, the success of the offense will hinge on the performance of the offensive line. Protecting the quarterback and creating running lanes will be crucial for both Salter and Lewis. The development of the offensive line will be a key storyline throughout the season, as the unit’s performance will directly impact the effectiveness of the offense.

Developing Playmakers

The emergence of playmakers at the wide receiver and tight end positions will also be critical. Both Salter and Lewis will need reliable targets to throw to, players who can make contested catches and create yards after the catch. The coaching staff will need to identify and develop these playmakers during fall camp, ensuring that the offense has the necessary weapons to succeed.

Managing Expectations: A Delicate Balance

The quarterback competition will undoubtedly be a major talking point throughout the fall. Managing expectations will be crucial for both Salter and Lewis, as the media attention and fan pressure can be overwhelming, especially in a market like Colorado.

Embracing the Process

Both quarterbacks will need to embrace the process, focusing on improving each day and trusting the coaches’ decisions. They must avoid getting caught up in the hype and stay grounded in their preparation. This mindset will be essential for their development and the success of the team.

Team First Mentality

Ultimately, the success of the Buffaloes’ offense will depend on teamwork and a commitment to a team-first mentality. Both Salter and Lewis must prioritize the team’s goals above their individual aspirations. This approach will foster a cohesive unit and create a positive environment for growth and success.

Conclusion: A New Era Under the Flatirons

The quarterback competition between Kaidon Salter and Julian Lewis is more than just a battle for a starting position. It symbolizes the dawn of a new era for the Colorado Buffaloes. The decision will shape the team’s identity and determine their trajectory in the Big 12 Conference. Whether it’s the experienced grit of Salter or the sky-high potential of Lewis, the future under center in Boulder promises to be anything but boring. The duel under the Flatirons is about to begin, and the outcome will resonate far beyond the 2025 season. The Buffaloes stand at a crossroads, and the path they choose will define their future.