Senior quarterback Kaidon Salter, the dynamic transfer from Liberty Flames to the Colorado Buffaloes, has once again captured the attention of the college football world. At the recent Big 12 Media Days, Salter delivered a bold and confident message that reverberated across the sport: he considers himself “one of the best quarterbacks in the country.” This statement, coupled with his impressive track record and ongoing competition for the starting role at Colorado, has sent shockwaves through the college football community.
## A Proven Talent Steps into the Spotlight
Salter, who led Liberty to an 8-4 record in 2024 with 1,886 passing yards, 15 touchdowns, and six interceptions, is no stranger to high-stakes moments. His standout 2023 season, where he guided the Flames to a 13-1 record and earned Conference USA MVP honors, showcased his dual-threat capabilities. With 44 total touchdowns that year, including 2,876 passing yards and 1,094 rushing yards, Salter proved he could dominate both through the air and on the ground. His transfer to Colorado, a Power Four program, marks a significant step up in competition, and Salter is ready to prove he belongs at the elite level.
During an interview at Big 12 Media Days in Frisco, Texas, Salter’s confidence was on full display. “My confidence is out the roof,” he declared. “I really enjoy myself, and of course, I feel like I’m one of the best quarterbacks in the country.” This bold proclamation has sparked debates among analysts and fans, with many intrigued by how Salter will fare in the highly competitive Big 12 conference.
## The Colorado Quarterback Battle
Salter’s arrival in Boulder has set the stage for one of college football’s most compelling storylines: the quarterback competition with incoming freshman Julian “JuJu” Lewis. Under the guidance of head coach Deion Sanders, the Buffaloes are navigating the transition from star quarterback Shedeur Sanders, who has moved on to the NFL. Salter, with his experience and proven playmaking ability, is widely considered the favorite to claim the starting role. However, Lewis, a highly-touted five-star recruit, is turning heads with his early performances, making the battle for QB1 a focal point for the 2025 season.
Coach Sanders has expressed enthusiasm for both quarterbacks, stating, “Kaidon is off the chain. He’s been there, done that. He can get the job done. I wouldn’t have brought him here if I didn’t trust him. But JuJu is coming around the mountain when he comes. We can’t lose either way with either of those two.” Despite the competition, Salter has taken on a mentorship role, offering advice to Lewis while maintaining a competitive yet collaborative dynamic. “If I see something that he can fix, I’m letting him know; and if he sees something I can fix, he’s letting me know,” Salter said, highlighting the maturity and leadership he brings to the quarterback room.
## Adjusting to the Power Four Stage
Salter’s transition from the Group of Five to the Power Four has not been without challenges. He admitted at Big 12 Media Days that the increased talent and athleticism at Colorado is a significant adjustment. “Colorado is the most talented overall team I have ever played on,” Salter noted, comparing it to his 2023 Liberty squad that finished 13-1 and ranked No. 25 in the AP Poll. His ability to adapt to this elevated level of competition will be critical as the Buffaloes aim to build on their 2024 Alamo Bowl appearance.
Analysts have praised Salter’s dual-threat capabilities, which could add a new dimension to Colorado’s offense. Unlike Shedeur Sanders, who was known for his exceptional passing but limited mobility, Salter’s athleticism and escapability are seen as game-changers. College football analyst Bud Elliott emphasized the importance of Salter’s running ability, stating, “Colorado’s success this season could depend heavily on Salter’s run game.” With an EA Sports College Football 26 rating of 88 overall, including 90 Speed and 92 Acceleration, Salter ranks among the fastest quarterbacks in the game, further amplifying his potential impact.
## Rankings and Expectations
Despite his confidence and proven track record, Salter’s ranking among Big 12 quarterbacks has sparked debate. The Sporting News placed him 10th in the conference, while CBS Sports and USA TODAY Sports also ranked him outside the top tier, citing his dip in production from 2023 to 2024. However, Salter’s supporters argue that his 2023 Conference USA MVP performance, coupled with the weapons at his disposal in Boulder, positions him to reclaim his elite form. His No. 15 ranking among quarterbacks in EA Sports College Football 26 further underscores his potential to shine in 2025.
As the Buffaloes prepare to open their season against Georgia Tech on August 29, all eyes will be on Salter and whether he can live up to his bold claim. His ability to create outside the pocket, extend plays, and contribute to the run game could make Colorado’s offense unpredictable and explosive, addressing a key need for the team.
## A Leader On and Off the Field
Beyond his on-field performance, Salter’s leadership has been a standout quality. His willingness to mentor Lewis, despite their competition, reflects a maturity that aligns with Coach Sanders’ emphasis on accountability and unity. This dynamic has set a positive tone for the Colorado locker room, fostering a culture of growth and cohesion as the team aims to exceed its 2024 performance.
As the 2025 season approaches, Kaidon Salter’s bold declaration has put the college football world on notice. Whether he secures the starting role or continues to compete with Lewis, his confidence, experience, and dual-threat ability make him a player to watch. With the Buffaloes poised to make waves in the Big 12, Salter’s shockwave message may just be the beginning of a transformative season in Boulder.
*Sources: www.si.com, www.on3.com, www.marca.com, www.essentiallysports.com, www.coloradobuffaloeswire.usatoday.com, posts on X*
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