Julian Lewis commits to Colorado, boosts Buffs' future
Blue-chip quarterback prospect Julian “Ju Ju” Lewis, widely regarded as the top uncommitted player in the 2025 recruiting class, has committed to Colorado football and Coach Deion Sanders. He made the announcement on The Pat McAfee Show on Thursday.
Lewis had previously been committed to USC for over a year but decommitted on Sunday after recent visits to Georgia and Colorado. The Carrolton, Georgia native also explored interest in Indiana, as the Hoosiers achieved a remarkable 10-0 start under first-year coach Curt Cignetti.
A four-star recruit according to 247Sports’ Composite rankings, Lewis holds higher rankings with other outlets. ESPN lists him as the No. 2 overall player in his class, while Rivals places him at No. 6. Within the Composite rankings, he’s positioned as the No. 35 overall player and the No. 6 quarterback.
Initially a 2026 recruit, Lewis reclassified earlier this year, announcing in January that he would graduate early and skip a year of high school football. Last season, as a sophomore at Carrolton High School, he put up incredible numbers, completing 186 of 280 passes for 3,094 yards, with a staggering 48 touchdowns against just two interceptions.
This commitment fills a significant void for Colorado, which lacks depth at quarterback behind Shedeur Sanders. With Shedeur expected to declare for the NFL Draft after this season, Lewis offers a clear plan for the future at the position. His arrival likely makes him a Day 1 starter in Boulder.
For Coach Deion Sanders, this commitment is another significant recruiting win, reminiscent of when he flipped Travis Hunter from Florida State to Jackson State in 2021. It also signals his intention to remain with Colorado beyond this season, even as his sons and key players like Hunter move on.
The contrasting trajectories of USC and Colorado likely influenced Lewis’ decision. USC (5-5) has struggled this season, losing four of its last five games and facing uncertainty under Lincoln Riley. In contrast, Colorado has surged into Big 12 title contention and the College Football Playoff discussion with six wins in its last seven games.
Deion Sanders’ stock has risen since leading Colorado to a 3-0 start in 2023, and the program’s upward momentum is hard to ignore.
Lewis’ commitment answers a pressing question for Colorado’s 2025 season: Who takes over as the starting quarterback after Shedeur Sanders?
Shedeur, projected as a top NFL draft pick, will finish his college eligibility this season. Backup Ryan Staub, who started one game in Shedeur’s absence—a 23-17 loss to Utah—has seen limited action, attempting just three passes in the first 10 games of the 2024 season. Without Lewis, Colorado would have likely turned to the transfer portal for a solution.
Lewis revealed on The Pat McAfee Show that he plans to enroll at Colorado in January.
“Coach Prime’s always said the best man’s gonna play,” Lewis shared, referring to Deion Sanders. “And that’s really what I wanted, was to be able to come in and compete and start as a freshman. I wouldn’t have much fun sitting on the bench.”
With Lewis, Sanders adds another elite talent to Colorado’s roster. This follows high-profile recruits like Jordan Seaton, the nation’s top offensive line prospect, and Travis Hunter, the No. 1 overall recruit in 2022.
While some recruits, such as Cormani McClain, have since left the program, others like Seaton and Hunter have been pivotal in Colorado’s success this year as the team pursues a College Football Playoff berth.
Deion Sanders addressed Lewis’ commitment during his weekly Colorado Football Coaches Show, expressing his excitement. “I can’t wait to be a part of his life,” Sanders said. He also discussed his approach to connecting with recruits and their families, emphasizing his hands-on involvement in the process.
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