Boulder got a situation on its hands. And not the kinda problem you wanna avoid — this is the type every college program dreams about. Deion Sanders built his empire on hype, flash, and, let’s be real, some of the best recruitment moves we’ve seen in years. But the post-Shedeur Sanders era? That’s got folks wondering if this Colorado train is about to derail. A top-tier quarterback recruit, Julian “JuJu” Lewis, is already on campus. But the question ain’t just about him. Because right next to him? A straight-up certified baller in Kaidon Salter. Now, the debate’s real: Is JuJu the day-one starter, or is Coach Prime about to ride with the more experienced Salter? Buckle up, ‘cause we finally got some answers.
On March 5, national college football analyst J.D. PicKell put it plain and simple: “He [Julian Lewis] is the future. He’s absolutely the future of Colorado football. But maybe this is just a ‘me’ thing with all true freshman quarterbacks. For the most part, my default is I would love for the guys to be able to sit for a season, especially when you have an experienced, developed, more or less, quarterback in front of you to learn from.” Fact. That part ain’t up for debate. But here’s the kicker — PicKell doesn’t think Lewis should be rushed into action just yet. “You can play too early and develop some bad habits. If you don’t have success, it can bruise your confidence, which is tough to rebound from.”
Colorado QB Kaidon Salter was throwing 70 yard dots
: @DeionSandersJr pic.twitter.com/wukV408tYF
— We Coming (@SkoBuffsGoBuffs) March 2, 2025
Translation? This ain’t Madden, where you just plug in a five-star and watch the magic happen. Freshman QBs can get chewed up and spit out if they ain’t ready. And Lewis, despite being a prodigy, might need a minute before taking the wheel. That’s exactly why the Buffs went into the portal and snatched up Salter — a QB who ain’t just here to warm the bench.
Salter was a monster at Liberty in the 2023 season. We’re talking 2,876 passing yards, 32 touchdowns, a CUSA MVP title, and a conference championship. Oh, and he ain’t just a thrower — the man ran for 1,186 yards and 12 touchdowns. That’s Retro Bowl numbers. But, the production low-key dipped in the 2024 season, ain’t no biggie, happens to everyone in the game. Look, Colorado brought him in for a reason. And now? With clips surfacing of him casually dropping 70-yard dimes in the Boulder facility, it’s clear he’s not here to play second fiddle.
Now, here’s where it gets spicy. JuJu ain’t backing down, but the reality is simple: if Salter is the better option, he’s gonna start. Deion Sanders ain’t about to throw his rookie QB into the fire just for the sake of it. We’re looking at a legit battle in Boulder, and this might be the best thing to happen for both QBs.
Julian Lewis’ big-time move got Kaidon Salter lookin’ over his shoulder
Just when folks were leaning toward Salter taking QB1, Julian Lewis reminded everyone why he’s HIM. On February 28, he pulled up to the National Quarterback Club’s Hall of Fame ceremony, where legends like Marlin Briscoe, Carson Palmer, and Steve Spurrier got their flowers. But JuJu wasn’t just there to watch — he walked away with the National High School QB of the Year award.
When NFL vet Josh Booty posted about it on IG, “@alliantinsurance & I are proud to award National HS QB of the year to my boy @julianlewis10.” You already knew the streets were gonna talk. And for good reason. This ain’t no small-time achievement, according to their webpage and their goal: “Recognize outstanding athletes for their qualities and achievements on and off the playing field and serve as a model for comprehensive excellence in athletic achievement, academic success, and greater social affinity.”
The kid has thrown for 7,000 yards and 96 touchdowns in just two seasons at Carrollton High School. That ain’t normal. That’s generational talent-type stuff. And this? Just more fuel for the debate in Boulder. So, where does this leave the Buffs? Well, the way things are shaping up, Coach Prime got a real decision to make. Does he throw his freshman phenom into the fire and let him learn on the fly? Or does he ride with a seasoned dual-threat like Salter, who can keep the Buffs rolling while JuJu marinates for a year?
Coach Prime has never been afraid of making bold calls. He flipped an entire roster last season, brought in top-tier talent, and finished with a solid 9-4 record. Now, he’s staring at another massive decision. The best part? No matter which way he goes, Colorado is sitting pretty at QB for the next few years. If Salter balls out, the Buffs get a dynamic playmaker leading them through the Big 12 while Lewis preps for his takeover. If JuJu proves he’s ready and wins the job outright? Then, well, Colorado’s got another superstar under center from day one. Either way, Coach Prime’s so-called ‘dilemma’ is looking like a damn good problem to have.
The post National Analyst Confirms Julian Lewis’ CU Future as Kaidon Salter’s Exploits Ease Deion Sanders’ Dilemma appeared first on EssentiallySports.
