Julian Lewis is slated to be the starting quarterback for Deion Sanders and the Colorado Buffaloes in 2026 after a disappointing freshman season in Boulder.
Julian Lewis committed to Colorado as a four-star recruit in the 2025 high school class, marking a significant signing for Deion Sanders and the Buffaloes after Shedeur Sanders and Heisman Trophy winner Travis Hunter left the team to begin their NFL careers.
Lewis joined Colorado as a true freshman, sitting behind quarterbacks Kaidon Salter and Ryan Staub on the depth chart last season. He unexpectedly received the opportunity to start three games after Salter and Staub combined for a 3-5 record to start the season.
In those three starts, Lewis went 0-3, though he passed for 581 yards, including 299 against West Virginia. Lewis was expected to be a threat to scramble, but the freshman only rushed 22 times for a net total of -35 yards and took 11 sacks. Although it is rare for a freshman to be great out of the gate, Lewis will need to improve significantly in his sophomore season to retain the starting job.
CU Buffs Offensive Rebuild
The infrastructure is far better around Julian Lewis in 2026 than it was during his freshman season, creating an environment in which he should be able to succeed.
With a new offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach, Brennen Marion, replacing Pat Shurmur, Lewis should have everything he needs to succeed in his second season. Marion, who was the head coach of Sacramento State in 2025, is known for creating the "Go-Go" offense. A fast-paced system that utilizes multiple two-back sets and takes pressure off the quarterback.
Lewis will likely be joined by running back Damian Henderson II, who knows the playbook after transferring from Sacramento State this season, providing a calming presence in the backfield for the young signal-caller. He will also have a deep wide receiver room to work with, highlighted by Danny Scudero, DeAndre Moore Jr., and Kam Perry, who are expected to be reliable targets. Scudero led college football with 1,297 receiving yards at San Jose State University in 2025.
In addition to the skill players around Lewis, the Buffs have overhauled an offensive line that struggled significantly last season. The team added transfers Bo Hughley (LT), Demetrius Hunter (C), Jose Soto (RG), and Taj White (RT), who are expected to create a much cleaner pocket for Lewis this year.
If he does not meet the standards Colorado expects, Lewis could lose his job to Isaac Wilson, the brother of Zach Wilson, who transferred from the University of Utah.
Julian Lewis' Heisman Trophy Odds
Julian Lewis is priced between Boise State QB Maddux Madsen (+30000), and Western Michigan QB Broc Lowry (+50000) in the preseason Heisman Trophy odds.
The sophomore is a longshot, but would become the first Buffs QB, and third player in program history to win the Heisman after running back Rashaan Salaam (1994) and wide receiver/cornerback Travis Hunter (2024).
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All odds written in this article were correct at the time of writing and are subject to change.
