Buffs star Quarterback Kaidon Salter returned triumphantly to the starting lineup as Colorado edged Wyoming 37-20 in the Week 4 matchup, throwing three touchdown passes and rushing for a game-sealing score. The victory marked a rebound for the Buffaloes (2-2, 0-1 Big 12) after a disappointing loss to Houston last week, when Ryan Staub had temporarily replaced Salter.
Salter completed 18 of 28 passes for 304 yards and added 86 rushing yards, showcasing his dual-threat ability. Colorado dominated early, building a 28-3 lead before Wyoming rallied. A pivotal defensive play by the Buffaloes’ defensive end Arden Walker, who sacked Kaden Anderson for a safety, swung momentum back toward Colorado, allowing Salter to seal the win with a 35-yard touchdown run.
How Did Kaidon Salter Earn a Comeback and Coach Prime’s Praise?
Salter, a transfer from Liberty, started the season’s first two games before being replaced. Against Wyoming, he delivered big plays throughout, including a 29-yard touchdown to Omarion Miller, a 68-yard strike to Sincere Brown, and a 47-yard touchdown pass to Joseph Williams. His performance underscored why Coach Deion Sanders reinstated him as the starter.
Coach Prime on the Kaidon Salter from last week compared to Week 1 and Week 2.
“Certainty. If you’re gonna run, run. If you’re gonna pass, pass. He made up his mind to do what he needed to do and he did it…
I think you’ve seen a kid who hit a switch.” pic.twitter.com/b69B6aJjC7
— DNVR Buffs (@DNVR_Buffs) September 23, 2025
Reflecting on Salter’s improvement, Sanders praised his decisiveness and confidence. He also elaborated, highlighting Salter’s mental adjustment and commitment to playing to his ability: “Certainty. If you’re gonna run, run. If you’re gonna throw, throw. Certainty not I don’t know what I’m gonna do, running with a confidence like I’m running, not running… He made up his mind to do what he needed to do, and he did it. Like whatever the Bible says, whatever your hands find to do, do it with all your might.”
“And we’re hoping that that we have a consistency and not just Kaiden, but everyone do it with everything you’ve got. And I think you just seen a kid just hit another switch and say, I got to get this together and I got to play up to my ability,” he added.
How Is Deion Sanders Navigating the Harsh Realities of the Transfer Portal as Kaidon Salter Shines?
The Buffs’ head coach also addressed the broader context of recruiting and the eliminated spring transfer portal window. Sanders emphasized that Colorado will pursue players who want to play for the program rather than money, while acknowledging the financial realities of college football.
“We’re gonna scout the players and hopefully we get the type of guys that’s not coming here to play for money. They come here to play because they wanna play for the Colorado Buffaloes and they wanna play up under this team and how we do things in the consistency that we’re on television and all that comes with it. So it is what it is, man. As long as the playing field is level for everyone, I’m good.”
Coach Prime on the elimination of the spring transfer portal window:
“We’re gonna get what we want…
When we don’t get what we want, that means someone offered more money. That’s it.” pic.twitter.com/XuuYEeigu6
— DNVR Buffs (@DNVR_Buffs) September 23, 2025
Salter’s ability to combine passing and rushing threats helped stabilize the team’s offensive approach, setting a foundation for future consistency. Coach Prime’s Buffaloes face No. 25 BYU at Folsom Field on Saturday, September 27. The kickoff is scheduled at 10:15 p.m. ET, and the game will be televised on ESPN.
Maintaining the offensive rhythm displayed against Wyoming will be critical as Colorado seeks its first Big 12 win and aims to challenge a ranked opponent at home. Salter’s resurgence provides optimism, but consistency will remain the key factor for Coach Prime and the Buffaloes in the remaining season.
