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Colorado Reacts to Big Shedeur Sanders News Amid QB Battle

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Nate Lunak | Last updated Aug 6, 2025 1:25 PM ET

As a rookie fifth-round selection, quarterback Shedeur Sanders is fighting an uphill battle as he faces off against Dillon Gabriel, Joe Flacco and Kenny Pickett to be the Cleveland Browns' Week 1 starter.

The coaching staff has already gotten a close look at what he can do on the field throughout training camp, but possibly the biggest challenge is still ahead with three preseason games set to be played.

Sanders will be the first quarterback to see in-game action because on Wednesday, the Browns officially announced he will start the first preseason matchup against the Carolina Panthers, scheduled for Friday.

Colorado Buffaloes React to Shedeur Starting

This doesn't mean that Shedeur has won the job when the regular season rolls around, but it does show that the coaching staff wants to get an early look at how he performs in something other than practice reps.

No matter what, it's exciting and even drew a reaction from his alma mater, the Colorado Buffaloes, who reposted the news via X and celebrated by simply using a watch emoji.

⌚️ https://t.co/EpQLnrIxPc
— Colorado Buffaloes Football (@CUBuffsFootball) August 6, 2025

It's not just some random emoji either, as it's an homage to Sanders' signature "watch flex" celebration, which he became well-known for, whether fans liked it or not, during his playing days with Colorado.

Browns Quarterback Battle Update

There's still time before head coach Kevin Stefanski must decide on who the starter will be for the Browns' Week 1 matchup against the Cincinnati Bengals on Sept. 7. However, the team revealed its first unofficial depth chart on Monday, which gives a closer look at how things are shaping up.

Browns' QB Depth Chart:

Joe Flacco
Kenny Pickett
Dillon Gabriel
Shedeur Sanders
Deshaun Watson (injured)

Stefanski Dives Into QB Plans For Preseason Game

Sanders will get the nod against the Panthers, but with Gabriel Pickett, and Flacco all sitting out (Gabriel and Pickett nursing hamstring injuries), Tyler Huntley, who the team signed on Tuesday, could see some playing time.

“We just signed Snoop Huntley, as you guys saw," Stefanski said during a press conference. "We’ll see, get Snoop back up to speed quickly. He’s been in a couple of different offenses since we last saw him. So, he’s doing a great job of working at it. But it’s a great opportunity for all of our young players in that football game.”

Now, with another quarterback to share reps with, it makes Sanders' goal of becoming a star for the Browns even more challenging than before.

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

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