Full Breakdown
Ryan Staub Emerges as Colorado's Quarterback in Victory Over Delaware
9/7/2025, 12:32:23 PM
Unexpected Turn in Colorado's Quarterback Situation
In a surprising twist during the Colorado Buffaloes' 31-7 victory over the Delaware Blue Hens, third-string quarterback Ryan Staub stepped into the spotlight, leading the team to its first win of the 2025 season. Head coach Deion Sanders had initially named Kaidon Salter as the starter, but after mixed performances from both Salter and freshman Julian "JuJu" Lewis, Staub's late-game entry proved pivotal.
Staub, a redshirt sophomore, entered the game with 45 seconds remaining in the first half and quickly made an impact. He completed seven of ten passes for 157 yards and two touchdowns, showcasing his ability to lead the offense effectively. His performance included a 21-yard touchdown pass to running back DeKalon Taylor just before halftime and a 71-yard touchdown throw to wide receiver Sincere Brown early in the third quarter, which extended Colorado's lead to 24-7.
Official Statements & Responses
Deion Sanders expressed his satisfaction with Staub's performance, noting, “I saw what I’ve been seeing in practice for the last few years. This is who he is, it’s who he’s always been. He just needed opportunity.” Sanders had planned to rotate all three quarterbacks—Salter, Lewis, and Staub—during the game, allowing their performances to dictate who would lead the team moving forward. After the game, he hinted at a re-evaluation of the starting quarterback position, stating, “I know exactly how I’m going to handle the quarterback situation... but I’m not lost for direction.”
Staub's Journey and Performance
Staub's journey to this moment has been marked by patience and dedication. He chose to remain at Colorado despite the arrival of Salter and Lewis, stating, “I had a dream and saw something and wanted to chase it. I love being here and I love playing for Coach Prime.” His commitment paid off as he finally received the opportunity to showcase his skills on the field.
In contrast, Salter, who started the game, completed 13 of 16 passes for 102 yards and a rushing touchdown but struggled to maintain momentum in the second half. Lewis, the highly-touted freshman, had a limited impact, completing just 2 of 4 passes for 8 yards.
Criticism & Opposition
Despite the victory, concerns lingered regarding Colorado's defense, which allowed 312 passing yards to Delaware. Critics pointed to poor tackling and an inconsistent blitzing strategy as areas needing improvement. Sanders acknowledged these issues, emphasizing the need for the team to return to fundamentals.
What's Next for Colorado
As the Buffaloes prepare for their Big 12 opener against the Houston Cougars, the quarterback situation remains fluid. Staub's standout performance has generated excitement among fans and analysts, with many advocating for him to be named the starter. The upcoming game will be crucial for determining the direction of Colorado's offense as they aim to build on their recent success.
Verbatim Quotes
- “I was just hoping for an opportunity,” — Ryan Staub, Quarterback, Colorado Buffaloes
- “I had a dream… I saw something and I just wanted to chase it.” — Ryan Staub, reflecting on his journey at Colorado
- “Never jumped in the portal, he had every right to think that way. But he's just been a great human being and a great young man, like a leader amongst that room. All he needed was the opportunity, and I thought it was time.” — Deion Sanders, Head Coach, Colorado Buffaloes
In summary, Ryan Staub's emergence as a key player in Colorado's victory over Delaware has set the stage for an intriguing quarterback battle as the team heads into conference play.
