Welcome to another season preview as we break down every position group before the season to figure out where the Buffs can improve, what they’re already good at, and just get a feel for the roster before the opener against Georgia Tech at home on August 29.
Today we’re tackling the position group that always generates the most discussion: quarterbacks.
Of course, last year was all about Shedeur Sanders. His number is already retired, and whatever you think about that, he was the best pure passer CU
has ever had. He brought national attention and delivered in every way you’d want from a face-of-the-franchise quarterback.
But he’s gone, and now it’s time to look at who’s next.
When ranking quarterbacks among all position groups (five offense, five defense), we’ve got a split decision: fourth and fifth out of 10. Pretty close, landing them right in the middle of the pack.
The reasoning for the middle ranking? We value proven production, and right now we just don’t know what CU is getting from this group. That uncertainty keeps them out of the top three.
Kaidon Salter
The main guy is Kaidon Salter, transfer from Liberty (and Tennessee before that). He started two years and was one of the most sought-after quarterbacks in the portal.
At Liberty, his sophomore year was incredible: one of the best G5 quarterbacks in the country. Last year he took more risks, which hurt him, but with CU’s talent around him, that won’t be an issue.
Here’s the big difference from Shedeur: Salter’s a dynamic runner with a good arm and accuracy. That dual-threat ability is going to change the offense completely compared to last year. In 2023 he was a 1,000-yard rusher with 12 touchdowns. Last year he still averaged over 50 rushing yards per game. Compare that to Shedeur, who was basically in the negatives rushing-wise, and you see how different this offense will be.
The staff is being vague about who the starter is, but it’s Salter’s job and has been since the spring game.
Juju Lewis
Juju Lewis is a five-star recruit who committed on ESPN as a high school junior. He’s just 17, should be a senior in high school, but flipped from USC to Colorado and early enrolled.
Don’t expect to see much of Juju this season. If we had to bet, he probably redshirts. Maybe he gets snaps against Delaware, Wyoming, Houston, or in a bowl game. But 2025 and beyond will be his time.
At 17, it’s a lot to ask him to start immediately at a Power Five program. Sitting behind Salter will be huge for his development. Having Juju as your QB2 is a luxury — he’s polished, has an incredible arm, and could be a future star.
The Depth Chart
The depth chart is actually pretty strong:
- Ryan Staub (QB3) has started for CU before, and he’s a capable option
- Dominique Ponder (QB4), Vanderbilt transfer, is solid for depth
A Completely Different Offense
CU’s offense is going to look completely different without Shedeur. He dictated so much of what was called. Salter’s running threat changes everything – there was a practice clip CU posted (and then quickly deleted) of an RPO with Salter that showcased just how dangerous this offense could be. Plays like that, where the defense has to account for multiple options plus Salter’s legs, are why this season could be fun.
This gives CU a run-first quarterback we haven’t had in decades. (And yes, we’re showing our age by not even bringing up Bernard Jackson from the Dan Hawkins era!)
Worst case is Salter struggles, maybe lasts four or five games, and then Juju has to start before he’s ready. That could mean growing pains and dropping games late in the year. The nightmare is if neither Salter nor Juju provides consistency, and CU drops winnable games because the quarterback play isn’t there.
Best case? Salter returns to his sophomore form: 44 total touchdowns, 62% completion, plus his running ability. If that happens, he can flat-out win CU games by himself. That’s how you get two or three more wins than expected.
Don’t forget the coaching staff: Pat Shurmur is still calling plays, but Byron Leftwich has also been around as a “quarterback mentor.” Having a former NFL OC and Super Bowl winner in the room is huge for both Salter and Juju’s development. Even if it’s part-time, Leftwich’s presence is a big deal. Combine that with Shurmur’s experience, and CU quarterbacks are getting elite coaching.
The Bottom Line
It’s a great spot to be in. Salter the runner, Juju the pocket passer — totally different styles, but both with high ceilings.
We love that Salter insists he’s not “just” a running quarterback. He wants to show he can pass, too. The mix of his skill set and Juju’s long-term upside makes this group really exciting.
It’s going to be a different kind of spoiled than we had with Shedeur, but still spoiled.
Here’s hoping Caden Salter salts the wounds of our opponents this year.
