Deion Sanders revolutionized Colorado football with swagger, star power, and a Heisman-caliber quarterback in his son, Shedeur Sanders. But behind the flashy plays and viral moments was a grim reality: Shedeur was the most sacked quarterback in college football, enduring a brutal 52 sacks in 2023 and another 42 in 2024. With Shedeur off to the NFL, the Buffs’ next signal-caller faces a daunting challenge — unless Deion acts fast.
The Battle for QB1: Kaidon Salter vs. Julian Lewis
The competition to inherit the throne is heating up. Kaidon Salter, the dual-threat dynamo and former C-USA Player of the Year, holds an edge with experience. Salter dazzled in 2023 with 2,876 passing yards, 1,089 rushing yards, and 32 touchdowns through the air. However, in 2024, he dialed back his running, focusing on his arm with 1,886 passing yards and 587 on the ground. His versatility makes him a tempting option.
On the other hand, Julian “JuJu” Lewis brings precision and poise. While not a pure scrambler, Lewis thrives under pressure, keeping his eyes downfield and delivering strikes. His resume? A jaw-dropping 4,118 yards and 48 touchdowns in 2022, followed by 3,094 yards and another 48 touchdowns in 2023. His legendary 531-yard, seven-touchdown explosion in a state final cemented his status as a clutch performer.
But no matter who wins the job, the harsh truth remains: Colorado’s offensive line is a disaster. Without drastic changes, the Buffs’ next QB could suffer the same fate as Shedeur.
The Root of the Problem: A Collapsing Offensive Line and a Non-Existent Run Game
Colorado’s struggles extend beyond pass protection. The Buffs haven’t had a single 100-yard rusher since Alex Fontenot’s 108-yard game against USC in November 2023. Last season’s leading rusher, Isaiah Augustave, managed just 394 yards and four touchdowns on 85 carries. For a Power Five program, that’s unacceptable.
Buffs insider Kevin Borba didn’t mince words: “You need your offensive line to be better in pass blocking; you need them to be better in run blocking. Period.” Without a ground game to keep defenses honest, opposing pass rushers teed off on Shedeur. The next quarterback won’t fare any better unless the offensive line steps up.
The Solution: Deion’s Bold Coaching Moves
Deion Sanders isn’t sitting idle. He’s brought in two heavyweights to transform Colorado’s offense:
- Pat Shurmur (Offensive Coordinator): The former NFL head coach has the experience to revamp the Buffs’ run game and overhaul the blocking schemes. However, the pressure is on. As Borba warned, “Everyone wants to see how good of a play caller you are when you don’t have Shedeur Sanders to bail you out.”
- Marshall Faulk (Running Backs Coach): The Hall of Famer’s arrival sent shockwaves through the college football world. Faulk’s knowledge and mentorship could unlock the potential of Colorado’s underperforming backfield. RJ Young of The Number One College Football Show praised the hire, saying, “Colorado ranked dead last in rushing yards per game. That’s why the Marshall Faulk hire is such a big deal.”
The Ultimate Test: Protecting the New QB from Shedeur’s Nightmare
If Deion and his staff can’t fix the trenches, Salter or Lewis will be forced into “hero ball” mode, scrambling for survival just like Shedeur. Borba emphasized the danger: “Not every quarterback has Shedeur’s mindset or skill set to keep plays alive. You don’t want your QB playing Superman every game.”
The stakes couldn’t be higher. Colorado’s 9-4 record last season was impressive, but without protection and a balanced offense, the Buffs will struggle to keep pace in the Pac-12.
Will Deion Sanders Rise to the Challenge?
The clock is ticking. With two talented quarterbacks ready to lead the Buffs and a revamped coaching staff in place, the pieces are there. But if the offensive line remains a liability, Colorado’s next QB will be destined for the same brutal fate as Shedeur Sanders.
Will Deion Sanders and his staff finally fix the trenches, or will the Buffs’ quarterbacks be running for their lives once again? This season holds the answer.
