Kaidon Salter Joins Colorado: A New Era for the Buffaloes
In a move that has sent ripples through the college football world, Colorado has signed Liberty transfer quarterback Kaidon Salter, sources told ESPN on Wednesday. This acquisition is a significant step for the Buffaloes as they prepare for the future, aiming to fill the shoes of Shedeur Sanders, the Big 12 Offensive Player of the Year and a potential first overall draft pick.
Salter, a dual-threat quarterback, is one of the most accomplished players in college football. He started 29 games for the Flames and earned Conference USA MVP honors in 2023, leading Liberty to a remarkable 13-1 season. With one remaining season of eligibility, Salter will compete with five-star freshman Julian Lewis, the second overall recruit in the 2025 ESPN 300, for the starting role at Colorado.
Salter’s stats are impressive, to say the least. He has accounted for 6,438 total yards of offense and 66 touchdowns during his two seasons in Liberty coach Jamey Chadwell’s spread option system. His rushing prowess is notable, with 1,676 yards since 2023, second among FBS quarterbacks behind Army‘s Bryson Daily (2,433).
In 2023, Salter led Liberty to its first perfect regular season, throwing a school-record 32 touchdown passes. The Flames clinched the Conference USA title in their inaugural season in the league and secured a New Year’s Six bowl bid in the Fiesta Bowl against Oregon. Despite a 45-6 loss to the Ducks, Liberty finished No. 25 in the final AP poll.
This season, Salter threw for 1,886 yards, rushed for 587 yards, and scored 22 total touchdowns during an 8-3 run. The Cedar Hill, Texas native announced his intention to transfer on Dec. 2 and visited Syracuse before deciding to join coach Deion Sanders and the Buffaloes.
Colorado is not just focusing on the quarterback position. After a breakthrough 9-3 season and a No. 23 finish in the College Football Playoff rankings, the Buffaloes are reloading their roster via the transfer portal. This comes as Sanders and Heisman Trophy-winning two-way star Travis Hunter prepare to depart for the NFL.
- Colorado has landed former Alabama defensive lineman Jehiem Oatis, the No. 1 defensive player in ESPN’s transfer rankings.
- They have also secured commitments from tight end Zach Atkins (Northwest Missouri State), offensive lineman Carter Miller (UL Monroe), linebacker Reginald Hughes (Jacksonville State), and kicker Buck Buchanan (Louisiana Tech).
Looking ahead, the Buffaloes will face No. 17 BYU in the Valero Alamo Bowl on Dec. 28. The Big 12 opponents did not meet during the regular season and were part of a four-way tie for first place in the league standings. This matchup promises to be an exciting conclusion to a transformative season for Colorado.
Originally Written by: Max Olson
