Julian Lewis Commits to Colorado: Deion Sanders Lands Game-Changing QB for the Future
Stop the presses, folks—Deion Sanders and the Colorado Buffaloes have done it again! In a move that has the college football world buzzing, Colorado has secured a commitment from four-star quarterback Julian Lewis, one of the most highly sought-after signal-callers in the Class of 2025. This is no ordinary commitment; this is a seismic shift for a program that’s been making waves ever since Coach Prime took the reins. Lewis chose Colorado over powerhouse programs like Georgia and Indiana, just days after decommitting from USC. Let’s break down why this is such a monumental moment for the Buffaloes.
A New Era for Colorado Football
Julian Lewis’s commitment is more than just a win on the recruiting trail—it’s a statement. The Buffaloes are officially transitioning into the next phase of their program, preparing for life after current stars Shedeur Sanders and Travis Hunter head to the NFL. Lewis is the first blue-chip quarterback Colorado has landed in the modern recruiting era, and his arrival signals that the Buffaloes are here to stay as a force in college football.
Ranked as the No. 115 overall player and the No. 9 quarterback in the Top247 ratings, Lewis brings elite talent to Boulder. His addition also boosts Colorado’s recruiting profile significantly. While the Buffaloes still rank in the 60s in high school recruiting rankings, their average recruit rating has jumped to No. 22 in the nation—making them the best in the Big 12 with 11 commits. That’s a huge leap for a program that’s been clawing its way back to national relevance.
What Makes Julian Lewis Special?
So, what’s all the hype about? According to 247Sports director of scouting Andrew Ivins, Lewis is “a de facto point guard on the gridiron that can distribute the football like few others.” Ivins added, “He won’t blow many away with his build but makes up for his subpar measurables with his ability to scan the field and manipulate defenses with his eyes. He’s tailor-made for a modern spread attack that wants to push the pace and constantly challenge defenses.”
Lewis’s resume speaks for itself. Despite being one of the youngest elite quarterbacks in the Class of 2025 after reclassifying up a year, he’s already proven he can hang with the best. He was an Elite 11 finalist and earned MaxPreps National Freshman of the Year honors in 2022. Over his first two years at Carrollton High School in Georgia’s top classification, Lewis threw for more than 7,000 yards and an eye-popping 96 touchdowns. Those are video game numbers, people!
Deion Sanders’s New Superfriends
When Deion Sanders arrived at Colorado in 2023, he brought his sons—star quarterback Shedeur Sanders and safety Shilo Sanders—along for the ride. He’s also referred to former No. 1 recruit Travis Hunter as his “son.” With all three expected to leave after the 2024 season, Lewis represents the beginning of a new era for the Buffaloes.
But Lewis won’t be alone. He joins a growing list of elite recruits, including former No. 1 tackle Jordan Seaton and top-100 wide receiver Drelon Miller. Together, they’re shaping up to be the faces of Phase 2 of Sanders’s tenure at Colorado. And if history is any indication, Coach Prime isn’t done yet. More top recruits could be on the way, as Sanders continues to defy expectations and build a powerhouse in Boulder.
Will Julian Lewis Start Right Away?
Here’s the million-dollar question: Will Julian Lewis take over as Colorado’s starting quarterback immediately? It’s a tough call. Shedeur Sanders has been a rock for the Buffaloes, starting nearly every game his father has coached since 2021. But with Sanders likely heading to the NFL, the quarterback situation is wide open.
Colorado has added some depth at the position, bringing in Kentucky transfer Destin Wade and Vanderbilt transfer Walter Taylor III. Incumbent backup Ryan Staub also has some experience, having started against Utah in 2023. But none of these options have the star power or upside of Lewis.
Still, expecting Lewis to start as a true freshman might be a stretch. As 247Sports analyst Cooper Petagna put it, “He’s one of the most polished and battle-tested QB prospects in this class, but expecting him to be the Day 1 successor to Shedeur Sanders might be a stretch. As a reclassification, he’ll still be 17 in his first month of college football.” Petagna pointed out that even highly-touted QBs like Dante Moore and Dylan Raiola have faced early struggles. A bridge-gap quarterback might be the best solution for Colorado in the short term.
What’s Next for Colorado?
One thing is for sure: Deion Sanders isn’t afraid to take risks. He’s thrown young players into the fire before, and it’s paid off. Left tackle Jordan Seaton started from Day 1 and has been a revelation. Running back Dylan Edwards made an immediate impact in his first career game. Could Julian Lewis be next? Only time will tell, but one thing is certain—Colorado football is must-watch TV.
Originally Written by: Shehan Jeyarajah
