Colorado has secured a significant commitment from four-star quarterback Julian Lewis, one of the highest-rated prospects available in the Class of 2025. Lewis chose to join coach Deion Sanders and the Buffaloes over other contenders like Indiana and Georgia, just days after he decommitted from USC, signaling a new chapter for Colorado football.
Lewis’s arrival marks a pivotal moment for the Buffaloes, as the team prepares for the departure of key players like Shedeur Sanders and Travis Hunter to the NFL. Notably, Lewis is the first blue-chip quarterback that Colorado has acquired during the modern recruiting era. Hailing from Carrollton, Georgia, he is currently ranked as the No. 115 player overall and the No. 9 quarterback in the Top247 rankings.
Despite Colorado’s overall performance in high school recruiting still placing them in the 60s, Lewis’s commitment elevates the team’s average recruit rating to No. 22 nationwide and the top position in the Big 12 with 11 commits.
Described by 247Sports director of scouting Andrew Ivins as “a de facto point guard on the gridiron,” Lewis possesses an exceptional ability to read the field and manipulate defenses. Though he may lack traditional size and stature, his skills make him ideally suited for a fast-paced, spread offense that Deion Sanders has implemented.
Lewis, who is among the youngest elite quarterbacks in the Class of 2025 after reclassifying, previously earned MaxPreps National Freshman of the Year honors in 2022. In his first two seasons at Carrollton, he threw for over 7,000 yards and 96 touchdowns, establishing himself as a formidable playmaker in Georgia’s top classification.
As Lewis steps into this new role, he is expected to fill the shoes of Shedeur Sanders, who is projected as a potential first-round NFL Draft pick. The Buffaloes are currently boasting the nation’s No. 2 passing offense and are in contention for their first conference championship game appearance since 2016.
With the imminent departure of key players like Shedeur Sanders, Shilo Sanders, and Travis Hunter after the 2024 season, Lewis’s commitment signals the start of a new era for the Buffaloes. He joins notable recruits like former No. 1 tackle Jordan Seaton and top-100 wide receiver Drelon Miller, setting the stage for a rejuvenated team under Sanders.
There remains a question of whether Lewis will start immediately. Though highly regarded, the transition to leading a power conference team as a true freshman presents its challenges. Colorado has welcomed transfers from Kentucky and Vanderbilt but has yet to see any passing attempts from these players. Current backup Ryan Staub has also taken snaps but has had limited experience.
Experts believe Lewis may benefit from a gradual introduction to college football. 247Sports analyst Cooper Petagna cautions against expecting Lewis to be the immediate successor to Shedeur Sanders due to the typical growing pains faced by elite quarterbacks transitioning to college. A bridge-gap quarterback could provide vital support during this critical period.
Nevertheless, potential exists for Lewis to overcome the hurdles ahead. With coach Sanders’ track record of placing players in challenging positions from the outset, Lewis’s road as a quarterback may offer more opportunities than expected.
In summary, Julian Lewis’s commitment to Colorado not only strengthens the team’s future but also showcases the exciting direction in which the Buffaloes are headed under Deion Sanders. As they build for the coming years, the anticipation surrounding Lewis and other new recruits creates a sense of optimism for fans and the program alike.