Colorado to start Ryan Staub at quarterback after weekend rotational debut

Ryan Staub will get the start at quarterback for the University of Colorado after his performance in a rotational appearance Saturday, a move that puts the third-stringer ahead of five-star recruit Julian Lewis, according to reports.

Coach Deion Sanders rotated three quarterbacks in the season opener against Delaware — starter Kaidon Salter, freshman Julian Lewis and Staub — in what functioned as an extended tryout. Salter began the game and completed 13 of 16 passes for 102 yards. Lewis entered and had two drives that ended in punts. Staub followed and delivered two full drives that ended in touchdowns, finishing 7 of 10 for 156 yards and two scores.

The performance, and visible sideline encouragement from Sanders, appears to have swung the immediate depth chart in Staub’s favor. Reports indicate Staub is expected to start Friday when Colorado opens its Big 12 schedule against Houston.

Staub served as the backup to Shedeur Sanders, Deion Sanders’ son, over the previous two seasons. After one of his touchdowns Saturday, Staub mimicked the signature celebration of Shedeur Sanders, now the starting quarterback for the Cleveland Browns, and drew visible praise from his head coach. On the sideline Saturday, Deion Sanders was shown placing his hands on Staub’s helmet and telling him, "I believe in you, man," according to accounts of the game.

Sanders described Staub as a player who could have transferred during the offseason but chose to remain with the program. "Worked his butt off and understands who we are, what we are, what we want from that position," Sanders said, adding that Staub’s performance reminded him of the film "Rudy" and of players who persevere without obvious opportunities. "He balled out so much, the whole student section was chanting his name," Sanders said.

Julian Lewis, a five-star recruit who committed to Colorado last November after decommitting from USC, made his first collegiate appearances in the Delaware game. The freshman’s limited opportunities were not uncommon for new quarterbacks adjusting to the college level, and the rotation gave coaches live looks at timing, reads and decision-making under game conditions.

Kaidon Salter, who started the opener, remains in contention, but the quick-scoring drives led by Staub gave the staff a clear option heading into the conference opener. Colorado’s coaching staff has used early-season rotations in recent years to evaluate quarterback depth and determine which skill sets best match opponents and offensive game plans.

The decision to turn to Staub for the Houston game continues a theme of opportunity under Sanders’ brief tenure at Colorado, particularly for players who remained with the program through coaching transitions and roster turnover. The Buffs face a step up in competition in their Big 12 opener, and the staff will be watching how the play-caller and the offensive line protect and develop their new starter.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.