Max Olson, ESPN writer
Colorado signed Freedom transfer quarterback Kaidon Saltersources told ESPN on Wednesday.
The Buffaloes bring in one of the greatest dual-threat quarterbacks in college football to compete for a chance to be Shedeur Sandershis replacement in 2025. Salter played 29 games for the Flames and won Conference USA MVP in 2023, leading the program to a 13-1 season.
Salter has one season of eligibility remaining. He will be competing against a five-star freshman Julian Lewisthe second overall recruit in the 2025 ESPN 300 for a starting role as Colorado looks to replace Sanders, the Big 12 Offensive Player of the Year and potential first overall pick in the draft.
Salter totaled 6,438 yards of offense and 66 touchdowns during his two seasons in Liberty coach Jamey Chadwell’s spread option system. He has rushed for 1,676 yards since 2023, ranking second behind FBS quarterbacks Army‘S Bryson Day (2433).
In 2023, Salter led the first perfect regular season in Liberty history, throwing a school-record 32 touchdown passes. The Flames won the Conference USA title in their first season in the league and won the New Year’s Six Bowl award in the Fiesta Bowl against Oregon. Liberty was ranked 25th in the latest AP poll after a 45-6 loss to the Ducks.
Salter threw for 1,886 yards, rushed for 587 yards and scored a total of 22 touchdowns for the Flames during an 8-3 run this season. The Cedar Hill, Texas resident announced on December 2 that he plans to move and visit Syracuse before deciding to play for coach Deion Sanders and the Buffaloes.
Coming off a breakout 9-3 season and a No. 23 finish in the College Football Playoff rankings, Colorado is looking to revamp its roster via the transfer portal as a two-way star, Sanders and Heisman Trophy winner Travis Hunter go to the NFL.
The Buffaloes landed early Alabama defensive lineman Jehiem OatesNo. 1 linebacker in ESPN’s transfer rankings earlier this week and also secured contracts with offensive lineman Zach Atkins (Northwest Missouri State). Carter Miller (UL Monroe), defender Reginald Hughes (Jacksonville State) and digger Buck Buchanan (Louisiana Technology).
On December 28, the Buffaloes will face No. 17 BYU in the Valero Alamo Bowl. The Big 12 opponents did not meet each other during the regular season and took part in a four-way match for first place in the league standings.
