Colorado quarterback Kaidon Salter will start the Buffaloes' season opener against Georgia Tech on Friday, head coach Deion Sanders announced Tuesday.

"He's the guy," Sanders said, according to Scott Procter of DNVR Buffs.

The senior competed for the QB1 role with freshman Julian Lewis. Sanders said he hopes Lewis - a five-star recruit who joined Colorado in November - also plays against the Yellow Jackets.

Salter replaces Shedeur Sanders, who was drafted by the Cleveland Browns after setting multiple Colorado passing records in two seasons with the team. The coach's son led the Big 12 with 4,134 yards and 37 touchdown passes last year while helping the Buffaloes post a 9-4 record.

Salter - a dynamic dual-threat quarterback - joined Coach Prime and Co. for the 2025 season after spending four years at Liberty. He was named Conference USA MVP in 2023.