One Veteran QB Gets the Start, But a Freshman Will Also See the Field

Colorado’s quarterback situation appears set for the season opener against Georgia Tech. Head coach Deion Sanders confirmed that Kaidon Salter will get the start, and freshman Julian Lewis is expected to take the field as well.

Salter, a senior transfer from Liberty, brings the experience Colorado needs amid significant roster turnover. Offensive coordinator Pat Shurmur has described Salter’s experience as invaluable, a factor that likely gave him the edge in the competition for the starting role.

Freshman phenom Julian “JuJu” Lewis will not be sidelined entirely. Reports suggest a “Lewis package” is in the works, a plan to get him on the field with designed snaps that highlight his arm talent and versatility. Sanders appears inclined to keep both quarterbacks involved to limit predictability for the opponent.

Some outlets report that sources believe Salter holds the upper hand due to his experience, though Lewis likely figures into the game plan as a change-of-pace option. One insider even went as far as to suggest Colorado could employ a platoon approach, allowing both QBs to contribute.

Colorado opens the season as a 3.5-point underdog at home, reflecting uncertainty about how quickly the offense will gel following offseason losses to NFL departures and transfers. Still, optimism remains that Salter’s familiarity with starting setups, paired with Lewis’s unique upside, will produce a competitive dynamic.

Despite the loss of star power, Sanders remains confident. The dual-QB setup may give Colorado flexibility and keep Georgia Tech’s defense off balance. For Buffs fans, the mystery over who leads the offense now becomes part of the intrigue heading into Week 1.