Kaidon Salter’s college football career has been anything but smooth. His path has been a rollercoaster of controversy and production, from a high-profile dismissal at one of the nation’s top programs to a record-setting run at Liberty. Now, he has been handed the keys to one of the most-watched teams in the country, the Colorado Buffaloes. The move raises a significant question as he steps into the spotlight.
Can Kaidon Salter Handle the Pressure at Colorado?
The journey began when 24/7 Sports rated Salter a four-star recruit out of Cedar Hill, TX, leading him to sign with the Tennessee Volunteers. That chapter, however, ended abruptly. While he officially entered the transfer portal on June 24, 2021, ESPN’s Alex Scarborough detailed the reasons. According to the report, off-the-field issues cut Salter’s time in Knoxville.
The original ESPN article from 2021 stated:
“The Tennessee Volunteers dismissed freshman quarterback Kaidon Salter on Thursday after he was arrested last week on charges of simple possession and driving without a license. Salter, a former four-star prospect from Texas, was suspended from the team in March after an incident at an on-campus residence hall. He was later reinstated. Tennessee announced Salter’s dismissal Thursday, wishing him and his family ‘all the best in his future endeavors.’”
After dismissal, Salter transferred to Liberty, where he successfully rebuilt his career. After a productive stay that included setting records and winning conference awards, he entered the transfer portal again and landed with the Colorado Buffaloes. In a recent announcement, head coach Deion Sanders named Salter the team’s starter over touted freshman Julian Lewis for the upcoming season opener against Georgia Tech.
Salter now steps in to replace the previous quarterback, Shedeur Sanders. He brings a different element to the offense, offering a true dual-threat capability that the team can build around. In the high-scoring Big 12 conference, Colorado will rely on that offensive firepower to compete.
Will Past Issues Affect His NFL Future?
Despite the new opportunity in Boulder, Salter’s past still casts a shadow, particularly regarding his NFL draft prospects. The graduate transfer possesses the speed, strong arm, and quick feet that scouts value, and he has shown he can make every throw on the field. However, the questions surrounding his dismissal from Tennessee will not simply disappear.
NFL teams will undoubtedly investigate the circumstances of the Tennessee incident. The arrest could prompt deeper inquiries into his background, and teams often use private investigators to uncover every detail. This means Salter will likely face intense scrutiny from team personnel.
While the incident occurred four years ago, he will be expected to answer for these indiscretions throughout the draft process, likely beginning at the NFL Combine next year. His on-field performance for the Buffaloes will be critical, but his interviews off the field could be just as crucial in determining his professional future.