The Colorado Buffaloes announced that quarterback Kaidon Salter will lead their 2025 campaign as they pursue their first-ever Big 12 Championship Game appearance.
According to USA Today’s Brent Schrotenboer, Salter reaching his 2023 production levels could be the difference-maker for Deion Sanders’ program.
“The transfer quarterback from Liberty isn’t necessarily better than last year’s quarterback, Shedeur Sanders. He’s just different. And different can be really good when you have a play-action QB who is as big of a threat to run or throw on any play,” Schrotenboer wrote.
Salter transferred from Liberty, where he played under first-year head coach Jamey Chadwell in 2023. Chadwell previously built the Coastal Carolina Chanticleers’ run-pass option attack with Grayson McCall in the early 2020s.
The senior quarterback is in his final year of eligibility.
“If Salter has a season like 2023, the Buffaloes will compete for the Big 12 Conference title,” Schrotenboer added.
Coach Prime has discussed giving freshman quarterback Julian Lewis playing time this season. Lewis, a Carrollton product, represents a seven-figure investment for the program.
The two quarterbacks bring different skill sets to Boulder. Lewis operates as more of a pro-style quarterback, while Salter fits the dual-threat mold that’s perfect for specialized packages.
Sanders isn’t relying on superstar talent like former quarterback Shedeur Sanders or Heisman winner Travis Hunter anymore.
Instead, he’s recruiting undervalued game-changing talents. Salter’s contract comes in under $600,000, representing significant value for a starting quarterback.
The program has also upgraded its coaching staff on both sides of the ball. Warren Sapp is coaching the pass-rushers, while George Hegamin is among three coaches working with the offensive line.
These additions bring proven NFL experience to players looking to reach the next level.
Colorado finished 9-4 last season in their first year in the Big 12. Salter will determine whether the Buffaloes can build on that standard in the post-Shedeur Sanders era.
