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Colorado Buffaloes head coach Deion Sanders has made it clear that Julian Lewis will be the team's starting quarterback for the upcoming 2026 campaign. The redshirt freshman, who joined the program as a four-star recruit in the 2025 class, is projected to lead the offense when Colorado opens the season against Georgia Tech.
During an appearance on CFB Scoop w/ Dukes, Sanders offered a direct assessment of Lewis, praising his intangibles and urging him to concentrate solely on his play. "He has all the intangibles that you need to be successful. Let's do it. Let's study. Let's prepare," Sanders said. "These receivers are trying to go pro, so they're depending on you. I'm not putting no pressure, but I want you to apply pressure... Just play your game."
Sanders also noted that Colorado's roster includes several former captains and older players who can assume leadership roles, such as calling huddles and organizing meetings, allowing Lewis to focus on his development without added pressure.
Lewis saw limited action as a true freshman in 2025, appearing in four games and starting a handful toward the end of the season. In those contests, he threw for 589 yards with four touchdowns and zero interceptions, showcasing the potential that has made him the presumed starter.
Key Analysis
The quarterback situation in Boulder was a major issue for the Buffaloes last season, as they averaged just 20.9 points per game, ranking 116th out of 136 FBS teams. Veteran Kaidon Salter, who transferred from Liberty, started most of the year but has since moved on to the CFL's BC Lions. Backup Ryan Staub also started one game but entered the transfer portal and now plays for Tennessee.
With Lewis now at the helm, Colorado hopes to stabilize the position and improve an offense that struggled to find consistency. For Sanders, entering his fourth season with a 16-21 overall record, the 2026 campaign represents a critical opportunity to turn the program around. By placing his trust in Lewis, Coach Prime is betting on the young quarterback's ability to lead the Buffaloes to success.
Originally reported by headtopics.