Deion “Coach Prime” Sanders has made a bold quarterback decision at Colorado, and it’s not the one many fans expected.
Five-star freshman Julian Lewis, who flipped from USC to the Buffaloes last November, saw his first college snaps in Saturday’s matchup against Delaware. But instead of seizing the spotlight, Lewis struggled, with both of his drives ending in punts.
Meanwhile, Ryan Staub… a third-stringer who has quietly been with the program and even backed up Shedeur Sanders the past two seasons… delivered a breakout performance. Staub turned heads by engineering back-to-back touchdown drives and finishing 7-of-10 passing for 156 yards and two scores.
Kaidon Salter, Colorado’s Week 1 starter, was also in the mix, completing 13-of-16 for 102 yards. But Staub’s poise and production separated him from the pack. According to reports, he has now earned the starting nod for Friday’s Big 12 opener against Houston.
The moment wasn’t lost on Coach Prime. Cameras caught him placing both hands on Staub’s helmet, looking him in the eye, and telling him, “I believe in you, man.”
Sanders praised Staub for staying committed despite transfer opportunities elsewhere.
“He worked his butt off and understands exactly who we are and what we need at that position,” Sanders said. “He balled out so much, the whole student section was chanting his name. It reminded me of ‘Rudy.’ Those underdog stories get me every time.”
Staub, once considered just a backup, now has the chance to lead Colorado under the brightest lights… proving that hard work and loyalty can outshine even five-star hype.
