The quarterback situation at Colorado has been a big talking point heading into the Buffaloes’ Week 3 clash with Houston. With Shedeur Sanders in the NFL now, Deion Sanders is trying out three new quarterbacks.
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For Week 3, Ryan Staub has been named the starter despite starting the season as the third-string quarterback. The move to Staub appears to stem from his impressive showing against Delaware.
Deion Sanders gave all three quarterbacks — Julian Lewis, Kaidon Salter, and Staub — a chance to play. Despite entering the game last, late in the second quarter, Staub delivered the most impactful performance of the group.
He immediately orchestrated a six-play, 75-yard touchdown drive that put Colorado 17-7 ahead at halftime. Then, on the Buffaloes’ first possession of the third quarter, Staub struck again with a 71-yard touchdown pass to Sincere Brown.
To cap it off, the redshirt sophomore even performed Shedeur’s trademark touchdown celebration after the throw. So what’s the secret to his confidence? According to Coach Prime, “Staub is just that kind of guy.”
“Staub attacks every day in practice like he’s preparing for the game. Staub turns in the most minutes watched each week, preparing for the opposing team. That’s just who he’s always been,” revealed Sanders to Romi Bean.
What stands out most to Sanders is how Staub learned by shadowing Shedeur. “He sat there with Shedeur and that staff in the quarterback room, and he understands how he prepared. He sat there and took notes. And he’s phenomenal, man,” Deion explained.
Since arriving in Boulder, Staub mostly served as a backup to Shedeur. He saw limited action in 2023, appearing in just three games. But he earned a start in the season finale against Utah when Shedeur was sidelined with an injury. In that outing, a 23-17 loss, Staub threw for 195 yards and a touchdown.
The following season, however, he received even fewer opportunities. Staub attempted only four passes all year and did not record a completion. Then came the game this season against Delaware.
Referring to his performance against Delaware, Staub said, “All I needed was that opportunity.” The best bit is that even when Staub isn’t on the field, his character shines through.
“No murmuring, no bickering, no jealousy. When other guys are up, Staub is right there, supporting them. He’s everything you want in a football player. He really is. And I’m excited that he got an opportunity,” said Coach Prime.
The Buffs are 1-1 to start the year, with a Week 1 loss to Georgia Tech and a home victory over Delaware. For Colorado, the Houston game will test not only Staub’s readiness but also the entire offense’s ability to adapt.
Sanders’ comments suggest he has full confidence in his young quarterback. But the true measure will come under the lights. If Staub can translate his preparation and patience into on-field performance, the Buffaloes might just find themselves in capable hands.
