Colorado's Salter-Lewis QB Battle Shapes Deion Sanders' Third Year

Colorado Buffaloes head coach Deion Sanders faces a pivotal season as he enters his third year at the helm, with a quarterback competition that will determine how much of last year’s offensive fireworks can be replicated. Replacing Shedeur Sanders, who has moved on to the NFL, is the central question as Kaidon Salter, a transfer from Liberty, and Julian “JuJu” Lewis, a highly touted freshman, split reps during fall camp. The quarterback battle unfolds against a backdrop of injuries along the offensive line and a roster overhaul that includes key additions and a broader program momentum that has lifted national attention, attendance and enrollment.

Salter brings substantial college experience to Boulder, having produced 66 touchdowns and 1,697 rushing yards over two seasons as Liberty’s starter, along with 5,283 passing yards and 59 touchdown passes. Lewis, still in the early stages of his career, is viewed as the future of Colorado football, with high school credentials that showcased prolific production and a national scouting profile. In fall camp, Salter connected on a red-zone touchdown with a top receiving target, signaling potential chemistry with the receiving corps,...