Ryan Staub was Colorado’s third-string quarterback when the Delaware game started. By the end, fans were chanting his name after he threw for 157 yards and two touchdowns, then immediately gave all the credit to Shedeur Sanders.
What Did Staub Say About Learning From Shedeur Sanders?
After Colorado beat Delaware 31-7, Staub told reporters he owed everything to his former teammate.
“I’ve been blessed to be able to sit behind him for two years, observing everything he did — his daily routine and film study,” Staub said. “I’ve tried to take as much as I can from him, because he’s going to have an amazing career.”
Ryan Staub on learning behind Shedeur Sanders the past 2 years:
“I’ve tried to take as much as I can from his because he’s gonna have an amazing career.” pic.twitter.com/eszkY1Ycvr
— DNVR Buffs (@DNVR_Buffs) September 6, 2025
Those two years as Shedeur’s backup weren’t always easy. Staub started just one game in 2023 when Shedeur got injured, then played in 2024 with minimal playing time. This season, he fell to third on the depth chart behind transfer Kaidon Salter and freshman Julian Lewis.
But against Delaware, all that preparation finally paid off. Staub entered the game with 45 seconds left in the first half as part of Deion Sanders’ rotation plan. On his first scoring drive, he threw a 21-yard touchdown pass to DeKalon Taylor and celebrated with Shedeur’s signature wrist-flex celebration. That score came with just nine seconds left in the first half.
— Shedeur Sanders (@ShedeurSanders) September 6, 2025
He then connected on a 71-yard touchdown to Sincere Brown early in the third quarter. His performance gave Colorado the spark it needed after losing to Georgia Tech in Week 1.
Will Deion Sanders Name Staub As Colorado’s Starting Quarterback?
After seeing how his three-quarterback rotation played out against Delaware, Sanders revealed he knows his direction for the quarterback position but won’t share details ahead of Colorado’s Big 12 opener at Houston.
“I know exactly how I’m going to handle the quarterback situation, I’m not going to say it. But yeah, I’m not lost for direction,” Deion Sanders said after the Delaware game.
🗣️ Deion Sanders on how he will handle the QB situation next week:
“I know exactly how I am going to handle the quarterback situation … My decisions are based on a lot about what I see in practice.” 👀🏈 #GoBuffs pic.twitter.com/CwHKXAuZdZ
— Guerilla Sports (@guerillasports_) September 7, 2025
Sanders revealed he devised his three-quarterback rotation plan two days before the Delaware game. He prayed about giving Kaidon Salter, Julian Lewis, and Staub two series each, allowing their performance to tell its own story.
The three quarterbacks told different stories with their play. Salter completed 13 of 16 passes for 102 yards and scored on a 9-yard run. Lewis went 2-for-4 for just 8 yards with both drives ending in punts. Staub completed 7 of 10 passes for 157 yards and two touchdowns, earning extended playing time.
Lots of love from Deion Sanders for his newest star quarterback at Colorado. pic.twitter.com/J5wcXtsPGP
— Brent Schrotenboer (@Schrotenboer) September 7, 2025
With those numbers in mind, Sanders will announce his Week 3 starter before the Houston game. Staub’s performance turned the quarterback race into a real three-way battle with Salter and freshman Lewis. His chemistry with Colorado’s receivers and calm play under pressure make him a strong candidate for the starting job.
Staub’s breakout leaves Deion with a tough quarterback decision that nobody saw coming after Week 1.
