Quarterback Ryan Staub of the Colorado Buffaloes will enter the transfer portal when it opens later this week. This decision comes after two seasons spent primarily as a backup, where he aimed to secure a starting position. According to ESPN reporter Pete Thamel, Staub is looking for a school that provides a better opportunity to compete for a starting role.
Staub’s Journey at Colorado
During his tenure at Colorado, Staub backed up notable players such as Shedeur Sanders and Kaidon Salter, and more recently, true freshman Julian “JuJu” Lewis. He earned a starting position for Colorado’s Big 12 opener against the Houston Cougars following a two-touchdown performance against the Delaware Blue Hens. In that game, Staub completed 19 of 35 passes for 204 yards, along with one touchdown and two interceptions.
With Staub’s departure, head coach Deion Sanders and offensive coordinator Brennan Marion face an urgent need for at least one scholarship quarterback to back up Lewis next season. As it stands, the only other quarterback in Colorado’s program is walk-on Dominiq Ponder, who has limited experience, having taken only three snaps against Arizona this past season. Another walk-on, Colton Allen, was honored on Senior Day, indicating his exit from the team.
Coaching Perspective and Future Prospects
Throughout Staub’s time in Boulder, Coach Sanders praised his dedication and work ethic. “He’s just been waiting for his opportunity,” Sanders remarked after Staub’s performance against Delaware. “Never jumped in the portal; he had every right to think that way. But he’s just been a great human being and a great young man, like a leader amongst that room. All he needed was the opportunity, and I thought it was time.”
Staub leaves Colorado with a record of 681 passing yards, four touchdowns, and four interceptions over three seasons. Reflecting on his experience, he stated, “It’s amazing here, and we have the best coach in the country. I really fell in love with my process and what I was doing.” Despite his position on the depth chart, he remained optimistic about his potential to contribute if given the chance.
With the transfer portal opening on December 1, 2023, Staub is expected to attract interest from Group of Five schools seeking a quarterback with Power Five experience. His ability and prior performance make him a valuable candidate for programs looking to strengthen their roster.
