Every Colorado quarterback during Deion Sanders's first three seasons

In these three years with the Colorado Buffaloes football program, despite an unremarkable 16-21 overall record, the starting quarterback carousel has not been spinning as much as you might expect from a team with that record.

Unfortunately, even the consistency at the starting quarterback position has resulted in only one winning season. After a lost season in 2025, all eyes now turn to redshirt freshman Julian Lewis, who has the inside track to the starting job after starting three games last year. The Buffaloes, however, also brought in Utah transfer Isaac Wilson, who could push Lewis for the gig, but also adds good depth to Colorado's quarterback room.

As we are about 100 days out from the start of the 2026 season, here are all the starting quarterbacks who have started a game for the Buffs under Deion Sanders.

2023 Season

Shedeur Sanders

The 2023 season was Sanders' first year as a Power Four starter, and he didn't disappoint. He completed 69.3% of his passes for 3,230 yards and 27 touchdowns to just three interceptions. He started 11 of Colorado's 12 games, missing the season finale due to an injury.

Ryan Staub

As a true freshman, Staub stepped in to start the season finale against Utah after appearing sporadically throughout the year. He finished the year 23 of 20 passing for 254 yards and one touchdown.

2024 Season

Shedeur Sanders

Sanders was back for his second and final season at Colorado, and he made it count. He led the Buffaloes to an Alamo Bowl appearance with a 9-3 regular season record. Sanders completed 74% of his passes for 4,134 yards and 37 touchdowns and 10 interceptions. He led the Big 12 Conference in nearly every passing category en route to winning Big 12 Offensive Play of the Year and the Johnny Unitas Golden Arm Award. He was the only quarterback to start a game for the Buffs that season.

2025 Season

Kaidon Salter

Salter transferred in from Liberty for his final college season, and the fit never seemed right. He struggled to balance being a threat with his legs and being a true quarterback. In nine starts for the Buffs, Salter completed 127 of 204 passes for 1,414 passing yards and 10 touchdowns with seven interceptions. It was a disappointing year for the former Conference USA MVP, and a major reason Colorado won only three games.

Ryan Staub

After not starting a game in 2024, Staub was used as a spark plug of sorts in 2025 and started against Houston. He finished the year completing 30 of 55 passes for 427 yards and three touchdowns with four interceptions.

Julian Lewis

Lewis is seen as the future at the position, having gotten his feet wet in 2025, playing four games and starting three. He threw for 589 yards and four touchdowns with zero interceptions. Lewis showed flashes, but his growth this offseason will tell the story of Colorado's 2026 season.

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This article originally appeared on Buffaloes Wire: All four quarterbacks during Deion Sanders' three years at Colorado