(BCSNN) — Coach Prime keeps the carousel spinning, as Colorado is now expected to return to senior quarterback Kaidon Salter when the Buffaloes host Wyoming on Saturday night at Folsom Field, sources confirmed this week.

Head coach Deion Sanders declined to name a starter publicly, but multiple reports indicate Salter will reclaim the role after Ryan Staub struggled in last week’s 36–20 loss at Houston.

Staub earned the start after a breakout performance against Delaware, but his first full outing exposed growing pains. The redshirt sophomore completed 19 of 35 passes for 204 yards, one touchdown and two interceptions, including a costly fourth-quarter pick that halted a potential comeback. He added 36 rushing yards but fumbled near the goal line on a near-touchdown run. Sanders called the overall effort “foolishness” and took full responsibility for the team’s lackluster showing.

Salter, a transfer from Liberty, started Colorado’s first two games and showed flashes of dual-threat ability. He’s completed 30 of 44 passes for 261 yards and a touchdown, while rushing for 67 yards and two scores. Though benched in Week 3, Salter has yet to commit a turnover and remains the most experienced option in the room. Sanders emphasized his desire for “leadership and consistency” from the position, a message that aligns with Salter’s steadier profile.

Freshman Julian Lewis, a five-star recruit who reclassified to join Colorado early, remains a long-term project. Lewis saw limited action against Delaware, completing 2 of 4 passes for 8 yards and taking one sack. Sanders has been protective of the 17-year-old, saying, “You don’t want him to feel like he failed… we want him to be in the situation to excel”. Lewis is expected to preserve his redshirt unless injuries or further instability force a change.

The quarterback carousel has complicated Colorado’s offensive rhythm. Through three games, the Buffaloes are averaging just 23.7 points and rank 14th (3rd from last) in the Big 12 in total offense. Wyoming, meanwhile, enters with a 2–1 record and a defense allowing just 15.7 points per game. Saturday’s matchup marks Colorado’s final non-conference test before a pivotal Big 12 stretch that includes BYU, TCU, No. 12 Iowa State, and No. 16 Utah.

For Salter, the start represents a second chance to solidify his role and salvage a season that began with high expectations. With Lewis still developing and Staub’s momentum cooling, the Buffaloes are betting on experience to stabilize a volatile position.