Colorado head coach Deion Sanders has selected Liberty transfer Kaidon Salter as the Buffaloes’ starting quarterback for the 2025 season opener against Georgia Tech on Aug. 29. Salter, 22, inherits the role from Shedeur Sanders, who left for the NFL’s Cleveland Browns after leading Colorado to a nine-win campaign in 2024. Sanders said the choice was driven by Salter’s experience, calling the dual-threat senior “the guy at this point” during a news conference on Tuesday. Salter accounted for 5,283 passing yards and 59 touchdowns over three seasons at Liberty, adding 19 rushing scores in the past two years alone. Salter edged out 17-year-old freshman Julian “JuJu” Lewis, a five-star recruit from Georgia whom Sanders still plans to work into games. Offensive coordinator Pat Shurmur praised Salter’s ability to extend plays with his legs, while noting Lewis’s rapid progress as a pocket passer. The quarterback decision comes as Colorado prepares for a sold-out opener at Folsom Field and its first season without Shedeur Sanders and 2024 Heisman winner Travis Hunter, both now in the NFL. Sanders is banking on Salter’s veteran poise to steady an offense undergoing its second major transition in as many years.