Colorado Buffs QB Crisis Prompts $28 Million Decision for Deion Sanders
The Buffs rank last in the Big 12 in passer rating and lead the conference in interceptions as they prepare to host Houston.
By Andrew Kovalenko ·
Colorado quarterback play has become the primary driver of the program's struggles under head coach Deion Sanders.
The timeline of instability began with the departure of Shedeur Sanders and Travis Hunter. Since August 2025, the Buffs have used four different starting quarterbacks: Kaidon Salter, Ryan Staub, Julian Lewis, and Isaac Wilson. The team posted a 6-15 record during that span, a result identical to the final 21 games of the Karl Dorrell era. In 21 games across four starters, Colorado passers completed 395 of 654 attempts for 4,733 yards, 31 touchdowns, and 22 interceptions. The group holds a passer rating of 130.10. By comparison, Shedeur Sanders posted a 160.4 rating over 24 games as a starter, recording 7,364 passing yards and 64 touchdowns.
Current statistics place the Buffs in the bottom tier of the Big 12. Colorado ranks 11th of 16 programs in passer rating at 135.92. The team leads the league with 11 interceptions thrown. Sanders is 2-13 in his last 15 conference games. He earns $10 million this season and $11 million in 2027, the highest salary in the Big 12. The athletic department is currently $27 million in the red following the retirement of former athletic director Rick George.
The Buffs host No. 14 Houston on Friday night. Colorado enters the game as an 11-point home underdog. The Cougars are 7-2 overall and 4-2 in the conference. A loss would confirm three losing seasons in four during the Sanders era. The team is currently 3-6 overall and 1-5 in league play. Network coverage has declined sharply, with only five of the last 15 games broadcast on over-the-air television or ESPN.
After a 20-10 loss at Arizona State on Saturday, Sanders told reporters that the team is not happy with recent outcomes. He stated that he sees the situation clearly and hates that the team is coming up short in close games. The coaching staff has changed frequently, with four offensive coordinators and three defensive coordinators serving since Sanders arrived. Five starting quarterbacks have taken the field in that span, contributing to 23 conference losses.
Athletic director Fernando Lovo faces two financial paths. He can spend between $9 million and $10 million to recruit a quarterback from the transfer portal. Alternatively, he can pay approximately $28 million to buy out Sanders and his staff after this season. An additional $25 million would be required to hire a replacement coaching staff. Candidates mentioned in local reporting include Jason Eck of New Mexico and Billy Napier of James Madison.
Sanders has led the Buffs to four offensive coordinator changes and five starting quarterbacks in four years. The team now sits at 3-6 with a 130.10 passing rating.
