Who will start at QB for Colorado at Houston? Deion's not saying

Field Level Media|published: Tue 9th September, 15:57 2025

Sep 6, 2025; Boulder, Colorado, USA; Colorado Buffaloes quarterback Ryan Staub (16) calls for the ball in the second half against the Delaware Fightin Blue Hens at Folsom Field. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-Imagn Images

Colorado will keep its starting quarterback a mystery as it travels to Houston to play the Big 12 opener for both teams on Friday night.

Buffaloes coach Deion Sanders denied reports that Ryan Staub would start the game.

The Buffaloes (1-1) used a three-quarterback rotation in a 31-7 home win against Delaware last Saturday, but it was Staub who served as catalyst for the Colorado passing attack.

The sophomore was the third Buffaloes' signal-caller and connected on 7 of 10 passes for 157 yards and two touchdowns.

"I'm not confirming nothing to y'all," said Sanders, who added he wants to commit to a full-time starter. "We ain't like that. We are good. We have capable guys. Staub has done a phenomenal job and got the majority of the reps. But I haven't made that assessment or that decision yet (on a starter)."

While which quarterback the Cougars (2-0) will face remains uncertain, coach Willie Fritz noted his defense, which is ranked No. 4 nationally, will prepare for the Colorado system in general.

"You look at the plays that were called, and they played all three guys this past game against Delaware," Fritz said. "They've got an offense where one guy does something different than the other. But they have an offense they run with an NFL offensive coordinator (Pat Shurmur, for multiple teams). They do a great job of mixing run and pass and doing a whole lot of different things."

While Staub lit up Delaware with big plays through the air, Houston did its damage in a 35-9 win over Rice on the ground. Dean Connors rushed 13 times for 132 yards and two touchdowns. Cougars quarterback Conner Weigman was 15-for-22 for 188 yards and had a passing and rushing touchdown.

"They are doing some remarkable things offensively, moving the ball," Sanders said. "They have a running back that can flat out hit it. And when he hits it, he's out of there. They have some receivers that can get the job done and defensively have some guys that can cover."

--Field Level Media