Julian Lewis, the highly-touted freshman quarterback at Colorado, is facing unexpected challenges in his path to becoming the Buffaloes’ next starting quarterback. With Shedeur Sanders set to head to the NFL next year, many assumed Lewis would step seamlessly into the role. However, the situation is becoming increasingly competitive, and it’s clear that earning the starting spot won’t be an easy task. Offensive coordinator Pat Shurmur has emphasized that no position is guaranteed, and competition for the quarterback role is wide open.
Recent reports indicate that Colorado is actively exploring options to strengthen its quarterback room. Despite securing Lewis, a 5-star recruit, the Buffaloes are still seeking additional talent. Notably, Kaidon Salter, a veteran quarterback from Liberty, has been spotted on campus. This move underscores Shurmur’s determination to build the strongest roster possible. As he put it, “We’re going to do everything in our power to make sure we’ve got the best players and the best room possible.”
Although Lewis has undeniable potential, Shurmur’s comments highlight the risks of relying solely on a freshman to lead the team. While praising Lewis, Shurmur made it clear that adding another quarterback to the mix is a priority. He noted, “JuJu’s future is unbelievable, and I’m certainly very much looking forward to working with him. He’s got a bright future, and we’ll see how quickly that happens. But at some point here, I think we need to add another quarterback.” This pragmatic approach reflects the team’s ambition to not just compete in bowl games but aim for a national championship.
Adding to the intrigue, Salter isn’t the only name in the mix. Mikey Keene, another experienced quarterback, is also vying for attention. With such strong contenders in the fold, the quarterback competition is heating up, leaving Lewis with a challenging path to securing the starting role. While his impressive high school stats—3,272 passing yards, a 75.8% completion rate, and 44 touchdowns—make him a standout talent, his lack of college experience could put him at a disadvantage compared to seasoned players like Salter.
The situation is further complicated by Colorado’s ambitious goals for next season. The team is determined to avoid the pitfalls of relying too heavily on a single freshman quarterback, a strategy that has backfired for other programs in the past. For instance, Nebraska’s decision to start Dylan Raiola immediately created significant challenges for head coach Matt Rhule. Colorado appears intent on avoiding similar mistakes, ensuring they have depth and experience at the most critical position.
Despite the growing competition, Lewis remains confident and resolute in his belief in head coach Deion Sanders and the program’s vision. He has expressed his eagerness to compete for the starting job, saying, “Coach Prime’s always said the best man’s gonna play. 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.” This statement reflects Lewis’s determination to prove himself, even in the face of stiff competition.
Coach Sanders is well aware of Lewis’s potential and the value he brings to the team. Even with a hand injury, Lewis has continued to lead his high school team, the Carrollton Trojans, to impressive victories. His performance this season, including 2,876 passing yards and 32 touchdowns, underscores his readiness to rise to the occasion. However, with so many talented quarterbacks in the mix, Sanders and the coaching staff will need to navigate this situation carefully to avoid the kind of quarterback controversies seen at other programs, such as Michigan.
Ultimately, the battle for Colorado’s starting quarterback position is shaping up to be one of the most compelling storylines of the offseason. With multiple talented players vying for the role, the competition is sure to push everyone to their limits, ensuring that the Buffaloes have the best possible player leading the team next season. Whether Julian Lewis can handle the pressure and secure the spot remains to be seen, but one thing is certain: the road ahead will be anything but easy.