Can Kaidon Salter Fill Shedeur Sanders Big Shoes in Boulder

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Jeremy Lockett | Last updated Aug 26, 2025 4:30 PM ET

The Colorado Buffaloes have their answer under center, and it’s a new era in Boulder. Head coach Deion Sanders announced that Kaidon Salter will take over as the Buffaloes starting quarterback following Shedeur Sanders departure to the NFL.

Salter, the former Liberty standout who transferred to Colorado this offseason, emerged as the clear leader during fall camp. His ability to extend plays with both his arm and legs made him the top choice in a battle that drew plenty of attention in Boulder.

Now, he’ll step into the spotlight for a nationally anticipated Week One showdown against Georgia Tech.

Kaidon Salter vs Haynes King

The storyline is almost too perfect. Across the field from Salter will be Haynes King, Georgia Tech’s dual-threat quarterback who helped spark the Yellow Jackets’ late-season surge in 2024.

King has SEC experience from his time at Texas A&M and showed last season he can carry an offense. His matchup against Salter gives the opening weekend one of the most intriguing quarterback duels in college football.

For Colorado, the question is whether Salter can pick up where Shedeur left off. Sanders son was the face of the program’s rebirth, but now the Buffaloes offense will take on a different personality. Salter thrives in improvisation, but against King and Georgia Tech, mistakes will come at a premium.

Deion Sanders said senior Kaidon Salter will start at quarterback for Colorado on Friday vs. Georgia Tech, but he hopes freshman JuJu Lewis will get into the game.

The battle isn’t just quarterback versus quarterback—it’s program versus program. Deion Sanders has put Colorado back on the map. Georgia Tech, behind King, is trying to prove its resurgence is real. Week One will give fans a marquee quarterback clash that could define the tone of both seasons.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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