Compared to last year, the Colorado Buffaloes should feel better about the backup quarterback depth they’ve built behind starter Shedeur Sanders.
Ryan Staub, who played well in last year’s season finale, should be first off the bench as Colorado’s No. 2 QB. The redshirt freshman from California completed over 70% of his passes (17-for-24) while throwing for 195 yards and a touchdown in his start at Utah. And perhaps even more encouraging, he didn’t throw a single interception in 40 total passes last season.
Staub is a solid backup quarterback but the room gets somewhat shaky behind him. As things currently stand, it’ll likely be a battle between Kentucky Wildcats transfer Destin Wade and former Vanderbilt Commodore Walter Taylor III for the No. 3 spot on the depth chart. Neither looked particularly impressive during the spring game but each owns experience at the Power Four level.
Former Valor Christian (Highlands Ranch, CO) quarterback Colton Allen is also on the roster as a walk-on. Allen has yet to see game action in two seasons with the Buffs.
Looking at the future of the position, Colorado is pushing hard to steal class of 2025 five-star quarterback Julian “JuJu” Lewis’ commitment from the USC Trojans. If that doesn’t work out, I’d expect head coach Deion Sanders to land an accomplished transfer and/or sign another 2025 prospect.
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