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The quarterback room in Boulder just got a lot more interesting, and if you’re a fan of high-stakes football chess, buckle up. Deion Sanders and his Colorado staff are cooking up something special, setting the stage for what could be one of the most compelling positional battles in college football. On one side, you’ve got Kaidon Salter, a seasoned veteran with a knack for electrifying playmaking. On the other, Julian Lewis, the five-star prodigy who’s already rewriting high school football history. Following the former Liberty Flames guy committing to the Buffs, you want it or not, it’s gonna be Salter vs. Lewis! So, let’s just see who is more effective on paper before we can actually see it next year on the field.

Salter, fresh off a dominant season at Liberty, has the kind of résumé that screams “plug-and-play starter.” Leading the Flames to an undefeated regular season and earning Conference USA MVP honors, the junior quarterback amassed 3,965 all-purpose yards and 44 touchdowns in 2023. But his story is one of resilience, starting at Tennessee before finding his groove at Liberty. “He’s got that Shedeur Sanders DNA,” some might argue, referencing his Cedar Hill, Texas, roots and dual-threat prowess.

Salter’s high school numbers—5,564 passing yards, 52 touchdowns, and 1,621 rushing yards—lay a solid foundation. Yet, his collegiate success shows he’s more than just numbers; he’s a leader who thrives under pressure, as evidenced by Liberty’s march to the Fiesta Bowl.

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On the flip side, we have familiar Julian Lewis, a.k.a. “JuJu,” who enters the fray as a freshman phenom. At Carrollton High School, Lewis threw for over 10,000 yards and 144 touchdowns in three seasons—stats that are almost mythical. Watching him work the pocket feels like witnessing a master painter at his easel—every movement calculated, every throw a brushstroke of genius.

Colorado offensive coordinator Pat Shurmur called his potential “unbelievable,” adding, “He’s got a bright future, and we’ll see how quickly that happens.” Lewis isn’t just a quarterback; he’s a culture-shifting recruit whose presence alone has Buffs fans dreaming big.

USA Today via Reuters

The head-to-head comparison is fascinating. Salter’s experience and college-tested chops give him an immediate edge, especially in a program looking to build on momentum. His dual-threat abilities make him a perfect fit for Colorado’s dynamic offense, and his leadership could bridge the gap until Lewis fully settles into the college game. Meanwhile, Lewis brings an unparalleled ceiling. He’s not just the future of Colorado football; he could be its biggest star since—dare we say it—Coach Prime himself.

Shurmur’s words about being “greedy” with talent sum up this situation perfectly. Colorado isn’t just rebuilding; they’re reloading. Salter is the ideal “bridge quarterback,” someone who can stabilize the offense while Julian Lewis grows into his role. But let’s not kid ourselves—Lewis isn’t just waiting in the wings; he’s knocking on the door, ready to take center stage the moment he’s called upon. We already know who’s better between the NFL-bound Sanders and JuJu, now. Let us settle this debate.

What’s your perspective on:

Will Kaidon Salter's experience outshine Julian Lewis's raw talent in Colorado's quarterback showdown?

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Know your QB with Kaidon Salter

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Kaidon Salter is bringing some serious firepower to Colorado, and it’s time Buffs fans get to know their new QB1 a little better. Let’s break it down and dig into a few fun facts about the guy poised to light things up in Boulder.

First off, Salter’s junior season was a bit of a mixed bag. While his sophomore year was an absolute fireworks show, his third year had a few bumps in the road. Liberty still finished with a solid 9-3 record, but Salter’s numbers dipped slightly. He threw for 15 touchdowns and posted a 56.3% completion rate—nothing to scoff at, but not quite the jaw-dropping stats he flashed earlier.

Now, let’s talk legs because Salter isn’t just a threat through the air. He’s a dual-threat dynamo, rushing for 2,013 yards and 21 touchdowns during his time with Liberty. Over half of those came in his electric sophomore season when he torched defenses for 1,089 yards and 12 scores, averaging a blistering 6.7 yards per carry. In short, don’t let him break loose.

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So, who’s the better QB? That’s a question best answered on the field next year, where Salter’s experience will clash with Lewis’s raw talent.

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Will Kaidon Salter's experience outshine Julian Lewis's raw talent in Colorado's quarterback showdown?