Kaidon Salter had moments of brilliance but lacked consistency in Week 1, though he still got playing time in Week 2, leaving fans puzzled. Then, on Saturday, third-string QB Ryan Staub came in and dominated in Colorado’s 31-7 victory over Delaware, showcasing his impressive touchdown passes. But Deion Sanders is keeping everyone guessing about the quarterback situation. Staub is now taking the majority of first-team practice reps, but Sanders hasn’t officially named a starter. So, who’s the real deal? The quarterback competition in Boulder is definitely heating up.

Colorado suffered a 27-20 home loss to Georgia Tech, and Kaidon Salter’s performance was a mixed bag, completing 17 of 28 passes for 159 yards and a touchdown, plus 43 rushing yards and another score. Salter started against Delaware, and the Buffaloes capitalized early. He led the Buffaloes to a 10-0 run, with a 9-yard rushing touchdown, completing 13/16 passes for 102 yards. And even Julian Lewis also played, leading three series, including his college debut, but didn’t score.

Then Ryan Staub came off the bench and turned the tide. With just 46 seconds left in the first half, he orchestrated a flawless two-minute drill, connecting with Joseph Williams for 31 yards and DeKalon Taylor for a 21-yard touchdown, giving CU a 17-7 halftime lead. Less than two minutes into the second half, Staub threw a 71-yard touchdown pass to Sincere Brown, the longest since Shedeur Sanders did it in 2023. So this progress sure makes him a QB1, right? But that’s not the case, as he made his strategy clear on the Romi Bean podcast and said, “You got to understand now it’s not that simplistic. I know, but why would I give the opposing team an extra edge in preparing for just this? I want them to prepare for all three guys.”

So, it looks like Deion Sanders is trying his best to keep QB1 under wraps. But that strategy sure worked for him. Colorado totaled 398 yards, split between 131 rushing and 267 passing, while forcing two turnovers and blocking a punt. Delaware had 396 total yards but failed to capitalize on key chances, including a missed field goal and a late interception. Delaware’s Nick Minicucci threw for 312 yards and a touchdown but also had an interception. Colorado’s defense and timely offense secured the win.

With that, Deion Sanders lauded Staub’s composure and gave credit to all three quarterbacks for their consistent play during the rotation. Staub completed 7 of 10 passes for 157 yards and two touchdowns; Salter added 25 rushing yards, and Lewis had limited, but valuable, experience. But let’s be real: the star of the night was hands down Ryan Staub, and even Sanders couldn’t deny that fact.

While talking to Romi Bean about his grit, he said, “Staub is that kind of guy. Staub attacks every day in practice like he’s preparing for the game. Staub turns in the most minutes watched each week preparing for the opposing team. That’s just who he’s always been. And he’s sat there with Shedeur and that staff and that quarterback room, and he understands how he prepared.”

No doubt that grind did wonders for him. Looking ahead, Colorado’s first Big 12 game is at Houston, while Delaware goes to UConn and will need to adjust after losing to an FBS team in its first Conference USA year.

Does Deion Sanders’ team have an edge against Houston?

The Colorado Buffaloes will travel to Houston on September 12, 2025, for a Week 3 showdown against the undefeated Cougars. Houston, sitting at 2-0 and favored by 5.5 points, will look to keep their winning streak alive. Colorado, with a 1-1 record, hopes to gain momentum after a Week 1 victory. Houston has been tough at home, winning five of their last six games in Texas, while Colorado has struggled on the road, losing 25 of their last 32 conference road games.

Statistically, both teams boast impressive players. Colorado’s RB Dean Connors and Houston’s WR Isaiah Hardge have perfect catch rates, making them key targets. Defensively, both teams are strong early on, not allowing points in the first quarter; Houston also shuts out opponents in the third. Colorado excels in crucial moments, converting all fourth-down attempts, highlighting their ability to extend drives when it counts.

But recent data points to a defensive, low-scoring contest. Colorado has had trouble covering spreads as an underdog in September, whereas Houston is reliable at covering when playing in Texas. However, Houston has faltered lately, failing to hold halftime leads in four consecutive conference games, which might result in a close first half. Both teams’ games have generally gone under the total points, suggesting a cautious scoring approach.

Now, NewsNet5 analysts forecast Houston winning against Colorado 24-18, covering the 5.5-point spread with the total points staying under 44.5. The Cougars should utilize their home advantage and solid defense, though the Buffaloes’ key conversions and defensive strength will keep them in the game. Fans can anticipate a close, intense game that favors Houston but allows Colorado to remain competitive. Let’s wait and see which team finally makes their impact in week 3.