The Colorado Buffaloes face uncertainty as they prepare for their August 29, 2025, opener against Georgia Tech. With Travis Hunter now in the NFL, HC Deion Sanders must rebuild around young talent.
The void left by Colorado’s departed stars creates questions about who will step up to lead this team through a challenging Big 12 schedule.
Can Juju Lewis Fill the Leadership Void Left by Travis Hunter’s Departure?
Bruce Feldman offered insight during his appearance on “The Rich Eisen Show,” focusing on 17-year-old quarterback Juju Lewis as Colorado’s potential breakout star.
“Juju Lewis, a 17-year-old quarterback, who was a big recruit for Colorado. I think at some point you’re going to see a lot of Juju Lewis… I saw him like a month ago, and he’s not quite the size of [former Alabama QB] Bryce Young,” Feldman explained.
However, Feldman was quick to clarify the comparison. “But Bryce Young and Kyler Murray are not the right comparison because they’re more dynamic athletes than he is. But he is a really good passer, and there’s still plenty of weapons around for him.”
The departure of Hunter, alongside Shedeur Sanders and Shilo Sanders, forces Colorado to reimagine their identity after a solid 9-4 campaign last season. The defense remains anchored by NFL-caliber cornerbacks, providing stability on one side of the ball. The offensive unit, though, will rise or fall based on quarterback performance.
Coach Prime on 5 ⭐️Elite QB Julian “Juju” Lewis pic.twitter.com/9lmWMdEv1S
— STAMPEDE (@stampedeftbl) December 17, 2024
Lewis is competing with Kaidon Salter and Ryan Staub for the starting position, but no official Week 1 starter has been named yet. Lewis’ impressive high school completion rate makes him the most promising candidate in the group, particularly important for a team that faces No. 17 TCU early in the season.
What Makes the Bryce Young Comparison Significant for Colorado’s Future?
Feldman’s reference to Carolina Panthers QB Bryce Young highlights Lewis’ passing potential rather than physical similarities. Young’s 2021 Heisman Trophy season at Alabama featured 4,872 passing yards and 47 touchdowns, establishing him as one of college football’s most accurate quarterbacks.
The comparison becomes more relevant when considering Young’s recent NFL improvement. His late-2024 surge with the Panthers demonstrates how young quarterbacks can develop rapidly when surrounded by proper support systems. Lewis lacks Young’s 5’10”, 204-pound frame, but his accuracy and decision-making mirror the traits that made Young successful.
Colorado’s offensive weapons, including receiver Drelon Miller, provide Lewis with the supporting cast necessary for development. His high school statistics suggest he possesses the efficiency needed to replicate Young’s success at the collegiate level.
RELATED: ‘C Minus’ — Deion Sanders’ Frustration Visible as Colorado Prep Fails to Meet the Mark
The Buffaloes enter 2025-26 determined to build upon their recent progress from 2023 and 2024. Lewis’ development will be crucial as Colorado navigates a demanding Big 12 conference schedule. His ability to channel Young’s accuracy and leadership could provide the stability Sanders needs during this roster transition.
With a challenging conference slate ahead, Lewis must quickly adapt to college football’s pace and complexity. If he can emulate Young’s performance that closed out 2024 in the NFL, Colorado’s season could exceed expectations.
For Coach Prime, who continues his recovery journey, Lewis represents hope for sustained success in Boulder.
