Deion Sanders and the Colorado Buffaloes have created a buzz in college football with their latest recruitment moves. The program successfully secured the commitment of Julian Lewis, a highly-touted quarterback prospect. Known as “Mission JuJu,” the effort to bring Lewis to Boulder involved everything from heartfelt messages from fans to creative promotions, such as a local burger joint naming a menu item after him. Despite this triumph, the Buffaloes also added another quarterback, Kaidon Salter, via the transfer portal. This decision has sparked debates about whether it reflects doubts about Lewis or simply a strategic move to strengthen the quarterback room.
The Background on Lewis
Julian Lewis has been a standout high school quarterback, earning accolades like “National Freshman of the Year” and “National Sophomore of the Year.” His talent and potential were clear, making him a prized recruit for Colorado. Coach Sanders has openly praised Lewis, highlighting his intelligence, ability to make any throw, and winning mentality. Comparisons to Shedeur Sanders, Deion’s son and the team’s outgoing quarterback, have already begun. Both players are seen as pass-dominant leaders with similar skill sets and competitive drive.
Why Bring in Salter?
Despite the excitement around Lewis, there are concerns about relying solely on a 17-year-old freshman to lead the team. Jake Schwanitz, a Colorado football insider, emphasized the need for depth and experience at quarterback, particularly after the struggles of the 2023 season, where Shedeur Sanders was sacked a record 52 times. While Shedeur turned things around in 2024, it’s clear the Buffs want to avoid overburdening Lewis in his first year.
Enter Kaidon Salter, a dual-threat quarterback transferring from Liberty. Salter’s statistics speak to his capabilities—nearly 1,900 passing yards, 15 touchdowns, and an additional 587 rushing yards in 2024. His experience and versatility make him a valuable addition to the team. Offensive coordinator Pat Shurmur underscored the importance of having a strong quarterback room, stating that the program is committed to assembling the best players to ensure success.
Developing Lewis
Deion Sanders has taken significant steps to prepare Lewis for the challenges ahead. In an effort to give the young quarterback early exposure, Sanders arranged for him and other high school signees to participate in practices leading up to the team’s bowl game. Although these players cannot play in the game, they are being integrated into the program early to accelerate their development.
The QB Competition
The addition of Salter introduces a new layer of competition for the starting quarterback role. While some may see this as a lack of trust in Lewis, others view it as a calculated move to ensure stability and avoid putting undue pressure on a freshman. Schwanitz remains confident in Lewis’s ability to rise to the challenge and ultimately earn the starting spot. Deion Sanders, for his part, continues to express unwavering support for Lewis, describing him as a critical piece of the program’s future.
The Bigger Picture
The decision to bring in Salter alongside Lewis reflects a broader strategy by Deion Sanders and his staff. They are focused on building a robust roster capable of competing at the highest level, even if that means creating competition within the team. As the Buffaloes gear up for the next season, all eyes will be on the quarterback battle and how Lewis handles the pressure of having an experienced competitor in Salter.
The upcoming season promises to be pivotal for Colorado, with the quarterback position at the center of attention. Whether Julian Lewis emerges as the starter or Kaidon Salter steps in as a bridge, the Buffs are setting themselves up for success with a thoughtful and strategic approach.