Deion Sanders is facing a high-stakes reality check in Boulder. With Kaidon Salter entering the mix, Colorado’s QB room is in a speculative state. On one side sits Salter, a college football veteran in his final year of eligibility. On the other side sits 5-star high school prodigy Julian “Ju Ju” Lewis who was long expected to be the next starter for the Buffs. Remember when Shedeur Sanders passed him the key on social media? Now, the biggest question is laid out once more by a CFB analyst.

“Can JuJu Lewis beat out Kaidon Salter for QB1 at Colorado?” That’s what RJ Young talked about in his latest episode on The Number One College Football Show on February 20. First, Young briefly talked about how Kaidon Salter’s college football journey faced an initial hitch with a dismissal from Tennessee. But his is a story of redemption, as Young said, “He went up to Liberty when Hugh Freeze was still there and he proceeded to put together something like a career, 21-4 as a starter, 6,000 passing yards, over 2,100 rushing yards in his career.” He looks ready for next-level play!

Kaidon Salter joined Liberty in 2021 and played till 2024 before transferring his commitment to Colorado for this season. Young observes the 6’1, 200-pounder as the “most underrated passer in college football but have an opportunity to prove that.” Could it be that he’s coming to Boulder so that “he could play on a team that had a much more quarterback-friendly and pro-style ready offense?” And clearly, he comes with the hope of starting for Colorado with his final eligibility. But what about Julian Lewis?

The Carrollton HS phenom is a pure pocket passer. He compiled 10,000 yards and 144 touchdowns throughout his high school career. Colorado went all in to bring this elite blue-chip recruit to Boulder. Even OC Pat Shurmur views him as having “unbelievable” potential. But while the high school success is there, he’s just 17 and hasn’t played a single down in college football. So, the apprehension is there. And in the midst of this dilemma, Colorado gets another unflattering prediction for the 2025 season. 

Colorado falls behind in early 2025 rankings

Colorado is ranked at No. 13 on Cody Nagel’s 2025 early Big 12 record predictions with a projected 5-7 record. The three teams behind the Buffs are UCF, Arizona, and Cincinnati. But really? Is Colorado projected to sink this far after Shedeur Sanders’ departure to the NFL? As many people see it, Kaidon Salter is a safer bet for the Buffs in the upcoming season. The CUSA MVP can work his legs to his advantage too and his 2,013 yards and 21 TDs on the ground is a testament that he’s a dual-threat. But that’s not to overshadow his competition.

Julian Lewis is inevitably the future of Colorado after Salter’s final year. The moment he’s ready, he’ll take over, and that can even happen mid-season for all we know. Can Salter steady the ship in Colorado or will JuJu bring on the transformation? But for now, all signs are pointing towards him learning and developing under a tried-and-tested CFB QB. 

Deion Sanders has a tough call to make. The vision is to surpass the 9-4 record that Colorado set this year with Shedeur at the helm. Is he going to roll with the veteran or pass the torch to the rising college football star? Either way, Boulder is in for a show!