As the 2025 Big 12 Football Media Days approach, being held July 8-9 from the Dallas Cowboys’ headquarters in Frisco, Texas, Colorado finds itself at the center of attention with Deion Sanders bringing both quarterbacks, Julian Lewis and Kaidon Salter, to speak to the media.
The unprecedented move signals an unresolved quarterback competition that promises to dominate headlines as the Buffaloes prepare for their second Big 12 season.
Colorado Puts Quarterback Battle in the Spotlight at Big 12 Media Days
The annual media gathering will air live on ESPNU, ESPN+, and, for the first time, ESPN2. Colorado HC Deion Sanders will join a group of standout Buffaloes, including quarterbacks Julian Lewis and Kaidon Salter, whose joint presence strongly hints at the ongoing competition for the starting role.
Colorado also sends offensive lineman Jordan Seaton, defensive back DJ McKinney, and kicker Alejandro Mata to represent the team. The selection of two quarterbacks breaks from traditional media day protocol, where most programs present their established starter.
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Lewis, a five-star freshman and one of the most highly touted recruits in the country, arrives in Boulder with lofty expectations as the No. 2 overall prospect in the 2025 class according to ESPN.
Meanwhile, Salter brings proven production and veteran experience after transferring from Liberty, where he compiled 5,887 passing yards and 77 total touchdowns during his four-year career.
The competition intensifies as both players offer compelling cases for the starting position. Lewis represents the future of the program, having flipped his commitment from USC to Colorado in November 2024. His youth and potential create an intriguing dynamic against Salter’s collegiate experience and immediate readiness.
Sanders appears to be using this media spotlight as a calculated strategy to intensify competition and keep both players motivated heading into fall camp. While most programs avoid putting competing quarterbacks in front of cameras simultaneously, this approach allows fans and reporters to hear directly from each contender about their mindset.
Colorado Entering Life After Shedeur Sanders
The Buffaloes enter a new era following the departure of former quarterback Shedeur Sanders, who now battles for a roster spot with the Cleveland Browns after being selected in the fifth round of the 2025 NFL Draft. Coach Prime has responded to this transition by securing both immediate talent and long-term options at the position.
247Sports analyst Brien Hanley offered his perspective during a recent segment on Big 12 Insiders on June 25, noting the contrasting trajectories of both quarterbacks.
“Kaidon Salter from Colorado. Look, good year in 2023, took a step back in 2024 at Liberty, so we’ll see what happens. We heard a lot of inconsistencies in the passing game coming out of the spring,” Hanley said.
The analyst then made a bold prediction about the competition’s eventual outcome: “I think by week six or seven, Julian Lewis is going to be the starting quarterback. They put a lot into this kid. He’s really good. He’s the future.”
Hanley’s projection considers Colorado’s potential early-season struggles and the need for a spark.
“Depending on where Colorado’s season is, I think Julian Lewis is going to be the starter by that time frame. That’s not hating on anybody… that’s just where I see Colorado’s season. I think they’re going to need a shot in the arm to be able to get going, and I think the youngster is going to be able to provide it.”
Salter’s resume certainly commands respect. His best season came in 2023 when he led Liberty to a 13-1 record and the program’s first Conference USA championship. Throughout his college career, he has demonstrated dual-threat capability with 2,063 rushing yards and 21 rushing touchdowns to complement his passing statistics.
The veteran quarterback’s experience in high-pressure situations, including leading Liberty to its first New Year’s Six bowl appearance, provides him with an edge in understanding game management and handling adversity. His maturity could prove valuable as Colorado navigates a challenging Big 12 schedule.
Lewis, conversely, brings the excitement of untapped potential. As a player who reclassified from the 2026 class to join Colorado early, he has already demonstrated advanced readiness for college competition. His presence at media days offers valuable early exposure to the spotlight that comes with being a potential face of the program.
The young quarterback has shown poise beyond his years, having thrown for more than 11,000 yards and 144 touchdowns during his three-year high school career at Carrollton High School in Georgia. His decision to flip from USC to Colorado generated significant recruiting momentum for the Buffaloes’ 2025 class.
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Both quarterbacks likely prefer immediate playing time, with Salter seeking to showcase his skills before next year’s NFL draft and Lewis eager to justify his highly publicized recruitment. This creates a compelling dynamic where both players must balance personal ambitions with team success.
Colorado’s decision to spotlight both quarterbacks at Big 12 Media Days sends a clear message: the competition remains genuinely open, and performance will determine the starter when the Buffaloes face Georgia Tech on August 28.
The unusual move reflects Sanders’ confidence in managing high-profile situations while maintaining competitive balance within his program.
As media members prepare their questions and fans debate the merits of each candidate, one thing remains certain. The quarterback battle at Colorado will continue generating headlines throughout the summer, with Big 12 Media Days serving as the opening chapter in this compelling storyline.