Ryan Staub’s journey from third-string quarterback to potential starter reads like something out of a sports movie. After energizing the Colorado Buffaloes in a relief role against Delaware, the redshirt sophomore has thrust himself into the conversation for Friday night’s showdown with Houston. His performance didn’t just catch the coaching staff’s attention; it earned something even more meaningful: a personal call from Shedeur Sanders offering his support.
How Did Shedeur Sanders React to Ryan Staub’s Breakout Performance?
Colorado’s quarterback storyline took an unexpected turn Saturday when Coach Prime turned to third-stringer Staub, and the redshirt sophomore delivered in a big way. Staub entered the game after appearances by Kaidon Salter and Julian Lewis and immediately seized the spotlight, going 7-of-10 for 157 yards and two touchdowns in a 31-7 win over Delaware.
His performance may have shaken up the depth chart, but it also stirred something deeper: a show of support from former Buffaloes quarterback Shedeur Sanders. Deion Sanders revealed in a recent interview with Romi Bean that Shedeur Sanders called Staub after the game to offer encouragement, a nod to their bond built over two years as teammates.
“Yes, of course, Shedeur has called Staub. Everybody who played has called and reached out to Staub because they love him,” Deion Sanders said.
Despite the hype surrounding Staub’s performance, Head Coach Deion Sanders made it clear: the quarterback position remains up for grabs. However, Staub has now forced himself into serious consideration for the starting role.
Salter, who was expected to claim the starting position, hasn’t done much to solidify his standing. In fact, some analysts have questioned whether he even processes the game like a true quarterback. That kind of critique, fair or not, has left his prospects looking dim.
Meanwhile, Lewis is expected to redshirt this season. The five-star freshman is set to collect a seven-figure NIL payout while he develops, a rare arrangement in college football. However, if that payday isn’t enough to keep him in Boulder long-term, it would represent a massive loss for the Buffaloes’ coaching staff and their future quarterback plans.
Why Does Shedeur Sanders’ Call Matter So Much?
When Shedeur Sanders, already a Colorado legend, picked up the phone to call Ryan Staub, it became a moment impossible to ignore. This is the same Shedeur Sanders whose jersey now hangs beside Travis Hunter’s, retired after just two unforgettable seasons in Boulder.
The call from someone who served as the face of the program and thrived under pressure sends a powerful message to teammates and fans alike: Staub is ready. It represents a quiet but unmistakable passing of the torch. For Staub, that belief from the one person who knows exactly what it takes to lead the Buffaloes might be the catalyst that transforms a single breakout performance into something much bigger.
