Deion Sanders isn’t the type to sit back and let the noise build without firing back. As the 2025 season inches closer and the narrative around CU sharpens, Coach Prime felt the need to speak with clarity and purpose. Because while most eyes were locked on what the Colorado Buffaloes would lose in the post-Shedeur Sanders era, Deion just got a powerful reminder that what’s coming next may be even more dangerous. And the message came wrapped in a verdict about one of the most dynamic quarterbacks in the transfer portal: Kaidon Salter.

The Liberty Flames transfer has stirred up excitement, doubt, and intrigue. Shedeur left big cleats to fill, no question, but one national insider believes the transition won’t be as steep as some expect. “Number one, I was excited because I thought there might be a lull for a season for Colorado because you can’t go from an NFL quarterback to just some random kid that’s a redshirt freshman transferring in and expecting things to go well,” Brian Smith said on Locked On Buffs. “Secondarily, for what Kaidon brings, he’s dynamic. He will run. He will extend plays. He has the arm to throw a deep out. And he has the ability to get the ball down the field.”

Salter isn’t just a dual threat. He’s the kind of chaos-creator that defensive coordinators lose sleep over. Over the last two seasons, he’s thrown nearly 50 touchdowns with just 12 interceptions, showing a quarterback who’s poised and smart.

“He’s a threat with his legs as well, and he doesn’t throw the ball into harm’s way,” Smith added. “I don’t think they’re going to lose a ton at quarterback in terms of total production. I’m not saying he’s better. It’s just that he does it in a different way, like his legs will get him to the outside and cause a lot of problems. And again, it’ll extend the play where I mean Shedeur was a decent athlete, but he’s not on the same level as what Salter is.” Different, yes—but not less. Salter can manufacture yardage on the edge, extend broken plays, and force defenses to chase ghosts.

In 11 games last year, Kaidon Salter threw for 1,886 yards and 15 touchdowns while also rushing for 579 yards and seven more scores. Those numbers came without a loaded cast around him. At Colorado, that’s about to change.

The receiver room isn’t just talented—it’s explosive. Omarion Miller is one step away from elite. Drelon Miller is a yards-after-catch machine who thrives in space. And Tulsa transfer Joseph Williams gives Salter the luxury of a big-bodied red zone specialist who can win those 50-50 balls on the boundary. If Salter can build chemistry quickly, this offense could be one of the most versatile in the Big 12.

That’s not all. Colorado’s offensive line—a weakness last year—has retooled and beefed up. The additions of Zy Crisler, Zarian McGill, and Aki Ogunbiyi, along with Jordan Seaton, have added bulk and athleticism. That front five, sharpened by daily reps against Colorado’s relentless defensive line, should buy Salter just enough time to let his instincts take over. And in short-yardage or red zone situations, don’t be surprised if Salter becomes a play-caller’s dream weapon. “They need somebody that’s going to be able to make some plays and going to be able to kind of take over a game in special situations,” Smith emphasized. This is what excites Deion Sanders.

Deion Sanders’ wake-up call

Prime doesn’t need a podium to send a powerful message. Sometimes, all it takes is one heartfelt tweet—and boy, did his Sunday morning post hit different. “All my @CUBuffsFootball PLAYERS & STAFF. I love u @ I miss u. Please be safe & don’t do anything to jeopardize your opportunity to be a Professional,” he wrote. “Be careful out there because everyone around u ain’t really down for u and everybody else is just there. #Truth #CoachPrime.”

That’s not just a casual check-in—that’s a seasoned pro reminding his squad what’s at stake. As the Buffs enter a new chapter, the QB spotlight is shining on Liberty transfer Kaidon Salter and five-star phenom Julian Lewis. Salter brings experience, but Lewis? He might just be the future of Colorado football. Prime knows that this battle could define the team for years, and he’s dead set on making sure the locker room doesn’t lose focus.

From Day One, Sanders has preached professionalism. Why? Because he’s seen both sides—what it takes to make it and what it takes to blow it. And despite all the rumors swirling about his next move, Coach Prime just signed a massive five-year, $54 million extension—cementing his role as the highest-paid coach in the Big 12.