Colorado's official depth chart was released two hours before game time in Houston. There were very few surprises with Ryan Staub as the starting quarterback, ahead of Kaidon Salter and Julian Lewis.
The one-time backup to Shedeur Sanders before he left for the NFL was inserted last week in the 31-7 win over Delaware. He won the starting job over the two newcomers in front of him. Salter, who led Liberty to a 13-1 season in 2023, and Julian “JuJu” Lewis, a five-star freshman recruit who blew off USC for a shot with Deion Sanders in Boulder.
Ryan Staub is listed atop the QB depth chart for Colorado vs. Houston
— Scott Procter (@ScottProcter_) September 12, 2025
Jeremiah Brown is listed as a starting LB after totaling a game-high eight tackles last week. pic.twitter.com/SVBnDWOCOm
Colorado listed Staub as the third-string quarterback behind Salter and Lewis before both of the team’s games this season. Salter got the starting nod to open the season against Georgia Tech, which resulted in a 27-20 loss.
After that, Sanders chose to play all three quarterbacks to see who had success. Staub came off the bench and made the Buffs offense run on all cylinders.
“It’s amazing here and we have the best coach in the country,” Staub said. “I really fell in love with my process and what I was doing. I didn’t care what position I was on the depth chart. I knew if I just got that opportunity, it’s all I needed. I built a life here, and I love it and I want to keep working.”
Colorado opens Big 12 play with Houston on Friday night at 7:30 p.m. ET on ESPN.
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