Shedeur Sanders has quickly become the face of the CU Buffs. Well, it’s not tough for a quarterback with a pass completion rate of 69%. It’s also believed that NFL scouts are already taking notice, and a first-round pick could be next year. But what happens when Shedeur enters the 2025 NFL draft? The Buffaloes aren’t sitting idle — they’ve got their eyes on Julian Lewis, a 5-star talent from next year’s class. Coach Prime & Co. are already making every move to secure their next star quarterback.

While the QB1 is getting all the attention, a quiet but intense battle is brewing for the QB2 spot. It’s the backup quarterback showdown — and a Colorado insider recently revealed more about it.

Uncle Neely, speaking to DNVR podcast hosts RK and Jake, mentioned, “At QB 2, I think [Dominiq] Ponder is gaining on [Ryan] Staub.” For now, Ryan Staub seems to have the edge as the backup for the starting quarterback. The redshirt freshman appeared in a couple of games for the Buffs last year, even starting one against Utah during Shedeur’s injury. Though the team lost 24-17, Staub made a noteworthy touchdown. However, according to Neely, Ponder is giving him a run for his money.

“This Thursday, Staub is still QB2, but I’m seeing the QB2 race tightening up, and I’m seeing the RB1 race tightening up. I think Taje McCoy is going to make noise this year,” Neely added. It looks like there’s heavy competition for the spot to back up Shedeur Sanders — especially quarterback backup after Gavin Kuld’s controversial exit this year. 

Shedeur Sanders vs. former backup Kuld

Last year, Galvin Kuld joined the Buffs as a walk-on QB, backing up Shedeur. He played just one season and appeared in only two games. Kuld entered the transfer portal earlier this year with limited action and stats. A few days later, he made waves by taking a shot at Shedeur Sanders in an online feud. Kuld claimed bad blood between them, alleging that Shedeur even shut him out, saying he would never be his backup. “I sat through and watched him talk to the other four quarterbacks all spring…and he was completely mute to me,” Kuld alleged, describing the cold treatment he received.

But Kuld didn’t stop there. He also criticized Shedeur’s lavish lifestyle: “Look at Arizona, look at Fifita, he did with all his money…look at Colorado, this guy has got six cars and an apartment.” Despite the jabs, Shedeur chose to take the “high road” and let the issue go. Now, neither Shedeur nor the current QB2s have issued clarifications about the incident. Looking at the current situation, it seems the Buffs have decided to ignore the negativity for good.

Ponder and Staub seem focused on maximizing the opportunity and competing for the void backup spot. Let’s see how things play out with a new QB1 next year!