The BYU Cougars are off to a hot start to the 2025 season, opening the year 3-0. While they’ve found early success, they have yet to begin Big 12 play. That changes in Week 5 when they travel to Boulder to face Colorado.
Ahead of the matchup, Cougars head coach Kalani Sitake discussed his relationship with Buffaloes head coach Deion Sanders and how Colorado’s current quarterback situation will factor into his game plan.
Kalani Sitake Addresses Relationship with Deion Sanders and Game Planning For Colorado’s QB Situation
Sitake has been BYU’s head coach since 2016 and has built the program into a consistent Big 12 contender since the Cougars joined the conference in 2023. Last season was his best yet, as he led BYU to an 11-2 record that included a win over Colorado in the Alamo Bowl to close the year.
In his weekly press conference, Sitake spoke about his relationship with Sanders, explaining that he has a lot of respect for “Coach Prime” as a person. He also made it clear that last year’s victory over the Buffaloes doesn’t mean much heading into this matchup.
“I have tons of respect for and admiration for him and what he’s done as a coach and as a father and as a disciple of Christ,” Sitake said. “So, really excited about the matchup. Obviously, we saw each other in the bowl, but this is a different matchup. Every year is different.”
One of the most significant differences between BYU’s matchup with Colorado in 2025 compared to 2024 is at quarterback. Colorado lost superstar Shedeur Sanders to the NFL this offseason and has yet to find a consistent replacement.
The Buffaloes brought in transfer Kaidon Salter from Liberty, who started in Week 1 but was benched in their Week 2 win over Delaware in favor of Ryan Staub.
Staub went on to start Colorado’s Week 3 game against Houston before Salter reclaimed the role last week against Wyoming. On top of that, Colorado also has five-star true freshman Julian Lewis, who has already seen playing time and could emerge as the starter.
While Salter is the most likely option against BYU, Sitake explained that the Cougars are preparing for all three quarterbacks and credited each of them for their talent.
“Until they tell us for sure what they’re going to go with, I think for sure we have to assume that they can play all three, Sitake said. “So, yeah, that’s part of being prepared for all of them, and all three we’ve seen on film can play.”
While Colorado’s lack of quarterback consistency is undoubtedly an issue for the Buffaloes, it also presents a challenge for Sitake and his staff as they prepare for the game without knowing exactly who will be under center.
It should be a fun matchup, as the Cougars are looking to move to 4-0 while Colorado is searching for a permanent answer to their quarterback woes. Kickoff is scheduled for 10:15 p.m. ET on Saturday, September 27, with coverage on ESPN.
