Kaidon Salter arrived in Boulder with high expectations and the trust of Colorado’s coaching staff. Two games into the 2025-26 season, those expectations collided with reality when Deion Sanders made a decision that sent shockwaves through the program. The highly coveted transfer portal quarterback found himself watching from the sideline as backup Ryan Staub took control of the offense.
Why Did Deion Sanders Bench Kaidon Salter for Ryan Staub?
College quarterback play remains an inexact science. Unless a team can roll out an elite talent with NFL potential, many offenses struggle to find their groove early in the season.
Coaches typically handle this situation in one of two ways. They either ride out the bumps in the road, hoping time brings comfort and adjustment on the fly. On the other hand, some coaches grow impatient and feel like they’re burning daylight waiting for a signal-caller to adjust, so they make a change.
When Salter transferred to Colorado from Liberty, many believed the Buffaloes had found their quarterback. This move was supposed to serve as a bridge for the 2025-26 campaign, allowing highly recruited freshman Julian Lewis to acclimate to the college game. Everything appeared headed in that direction.
However, after Salter started Colorado’s first two games, Sanders benched him and brought in Staub against Delaware. Staub finished the game by completing 70% of his passes for 158 yards and two touchdowns. More importantly, he averaged 15.8 yards per attempt, showing he didn’t shy away from the big play.
The turning point came during crucial moments that highlighted Salter’s struggles. Down by seven with under two minutes remaining against Georgia Tech, Salter needed to lead the offense on a game-tying drive. Instead, he connected on just 40% of his pass attempts, and Colorado couldn’t move the ball past midfield. The Buffaloes ended the game right at the 50-yard line.
Against Delaware, Salter’s first-half performance proved equally concerning. With the Blue Hens trailing 10-7 in the second quarter, Sanders had seen enough. He first brought in Lewis, then turned to Staub, who immediately made an impact by connecting with DeKalon Taylor on a 21-yard touchdown pass that extended the lead to 17-7.
Articles circulated about how Sanders treated Staub differently from his son, Shedeur, with an insider making claims while providing evidence. Salter doesn’t just need to win over the team; he needs to persuade the head coach with his play.
On Tuesday, ESPN college football insider Pete Thamel tweeted this:
Staub was spotted working with the first-team in practice on Monday, and the staff has made clear that Staub will start this week. Staub started one game for Colorado in 2023 in place of injured Shedeur Sanders.
— Pete Thamel (@PeteThamel) September 9, 2025
“Staub was spotted working with the first team in practice on Monday, and the staff has clarified that Staub will start this week. Staub started one game for Colorado in 2023 in place of injured Shedeur Sanders.”
One possibility could be a football trait that Staub possesses that reminds Sanders of his son. The potential starter flashed a strong command of the offense in limited snaps against Delaware.
While Sanders would neither confirm nor deny the report, all signs point to Staub getting the start. This raises the question: what happens to Salter moving forward?
Former Heisman Trophy winner Johnny Manziel speculated about Sanders’ mindset.
“Whether it’s X, Y, or Z, somebody will get on that field and do what we need to move the ball down the field and get this offense going. And he’s going to oversee the whole thing. That’s the one thing about it. So, hey, you’re not getting it done.”
For Salter to regain his starting position, either injury or ineffectiveness from others could bring him back into the fold. Colorado faces Houston tonight on the road. If Staub continues his excellent play, the quarterback battle may already be decided.
