After cycling through three different quarterback options to start the season, Colorado head coach Deion Sanders has named Ryan Staub as the Buffaloes‘ starter for their Week 3 matchup with Houston.
Staub began the year as the third-string option behind Kaidon Salter and freshman Julian Lewis. But when given his chance against Delaware, the redshirt sophomore seized it with authority.
Entering the game late in the second quarter, he engineered a six-play, 75-yard touchdown drive that gave Colorado a 17-7 lead at halftime. On the very next possession, he launched a 71-yard strike to receiver Sincere Brown, turning a tight contest into a comfortable advantage.
For good measure, Staub capped his highlight throw with Shedeur Sanders’ signature celebration, a nod to the quarterback he studied behind for two seasons.
Earning Coach Prime’s trust
While the performance against Delaware may have surprised some fans, Deion Sanders said Staub’s rise was no accident.
“Staub attacks every day in practice like he’s preparing for the game. Staub turns in the most minutes watched each week preparing for the opposing team. That’s just who he’s always been,” Sanders told CBS Colorado’s Romi Bean.
The coach credited Staub’s time spent observing Shedeur Sanders as an invaluable part of his growth. “He sat there with Shedeur and that staff in the quarterback room and he understands how he prepared. He sat there and took notes. And he’s phenomenal, man,” Sanders said.
Staub’s road to this moment has been long. He saw brief action in 2023, stepping in when Shedeur was injured in the season finale against Utah and throwing for 195 yards and a touchdown in a narrow loss. But in 2024, his opportunities dwindled even further, just four pass attempts, none completed.
“All I needed was that opportunity,” Staub said following the Delaware win.
Sanders praised the sophomore’s character for never wavering despite limited chances.
“No murmuring, no bickering, no jealousy. When other guys are up, Staub is right there, supporting them. He’s everything you want in a football player. He really is. And I’m excited that he got an opportunity,” he noted.
The Buffaloes are 1-1, with an opening loss to Georgia Tech followed by the bounce-back victory over Delaware. The upcoming game against Houston will be the first true test of Staub’s ability to carry the offense as the official starter.
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