Loyalty Rewarded: Ryan Staub’s Patience Pays Off as Colorado’s Starting Quarterback

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After spending two seasons waiting in the wings, Ryan Staub is finally getting his moment under the Friday night lights. The redshirt sophomore quarterback for the Colorado Buffaloes is set to start against Houston as Big 12 play begins. For Staub, this opportunity is not just about leading an offense—it’s a testament to loyalty, patience, and belief in the process. Despite the arrival of high-profile quarterbacks such as Liberty transfer Kaidon Salter and five-star freshman Julian Lewis, Staub remained committed to the program. “I didn’t care what position I was on the depth chart,” Staub told CBS Sports Colorado. “I knew if I just got that opportunity, it’s all I needed”. Staub’s decision to stay with the Buffaloes through a competitive quarterback room has positioned him for this pivotal opportunity. Staub made his season debut last weekend in a 31–17 win over Delaware, where he threw for 157 yards and two touchdowns. He outshined both Salter and Lewis, prompting head coach Deion Sanders to name him the starter heading into a critical matchup against Houston. Now in his third year in Boulder, Staub has been with the program since Sanders’ arrival and previously served as the backup to Shedeur Sanders, who is now with the Cleveland Browns. As Colorado attempts to maintain momentum following a nine-win season last year, the quarterback position remains one of the biggest question marks for the team.

The competition is far from over. Salter is expected to see reps, and Lewis is likely headed for a redshirt year. Still, if Staub performs well against Houston, he could take control of the job moving forward. His poise and execution against Delaware showcased his readiness and validated the coaching staff’s decision to give him the nod. With Sanders and Heisman winner Travis Hunter now in the NFL, the Buffaloes are looking for new leaders to step up. The pressure is significant, but Staub appears unfazed. As he takes the field in Houston, the quarterback who once sat quietly behind the scenes now has the chance to define the next era of Colorado football.