Deion Sanders has secured a significant commitment as top quarterback recruit Julian “JuJu” Lewis has announced that he will join the Colorado football team. This decision positions Lewis to potentially succeed Sanders’ son, Shedeur, who is expected to enter the NFL Draft after this season.
Lewis, hailing from Carrollton High School in Georgia, had initially committed to Southern California but kept exploring other options, visiting various schools including Colorado, Georgia, and Indiana. His decision to join the Buffaloes comes just ahead of the early signing period, set to start on December 4. Lewis made his announcement during an appearance on the Pat McAfee Show, where he expressed his excitement about following in Shedeur’s footsteps and acknowledged the transformation at Colorado under Coach Sanders.
Ranked as the sixth-best quarterback in the nation according to 247Sports and the second-best pocket passer according to ESPN, Lewis brings high expectations with him. His recruitment was met with enthusiasm by the Colorado community, exemplified by The Sink restaurant creating a special burger in his honor.
Lewis’s commitment alleviates uncertainty surrounding the Buffaloes’ quarterback position for 2025, especially with Shedeur’s anticipated departure. The backup quarterback, Ryan Staub, has limited experience at this point. If Lewis had not committed, Colorado might have needed to look outside the program for a quarterback.
He is set to enroll at Colorado in January and is eager to compete for the starting position right away. Lewis appreciates Coach Sanders’ competitive philosophy that emphasizes meritocracy, stating he is not interested in sitting on the bench.
This latest recruitment highlights Sanders’ effective strategy in attracting elite talent, building on previous successful signings, including top recruits like Jordan Seaton and Travis Hunter. Coach Sanders expressed his eagerness to be part of Lewis’s journey and underscores the importance of communication with recruits’ families during the recruitment process.
With the Buffaloes currently holding an 8-2 record, they are gearing up for an upcoming game against Kansas, indicating a promising trajectory for the program under Sanders.
This recruitment not only solidifies the future for Colorado football but also excites fans and players alike about the potential revival of the program. With each formidable talent coming on board, the Buffaloes are setting themselves up for long-term success in college football.