Colorado Buffaloes quarterback Julian Lewis was part of the ever-changing QB1 duties in Boulder last year, alongside Kaidon Salter and Ryan Staub, as the offense struggled throughout a difficult season. After the departure of both Staub and Salter, Lewis is poised to become the primary starter next season as the team attempts to ascend the Big 12 ladder.
Deion Sanders Praises Julian Lewis’ Leadership Qualities
While speaking to reporters after spring practice on Tuesday, Sanders discussed Lewis’ growing leadership qualities on the roster and his maturity to date.
“Let’s focus on the game. Your game has to help you lead,” Sanders said. “You guys throw leadership on certain people, but the game has to come before the leadership role. You can’t lead in this generation, especially with new guys coming in, the multitude that we have, unless you have game.
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“His game is developing daily, and I’m proud of the strides that he’s making in both, as a potential leader as well as a quarterback that we can really count on from start to finish. I’m proud of the young man.”
Last season, Salter started nine games as the Buffs’ QB1 before Staub and Lewis saw action following inconsistent team performances. Lewis performed admirably in the four games he played, tallying 589 yards on 55.3% completion, resulting in four touchdowns and zero interceptions.
Whoever wins the starting battle will have a huge task on their hands after Colorado earned a woeful PFSN College Offense Impact score of 74.4. The Buffaloes averaged 20.9 points per game (No. 116 in college football) and converted only 39.77% of third-down attempts.
In addition, Lewis will play under new offensive coordinator Brennan Marion, who joined from the UNLV Rebels to replace Pat Shurmur. Marion has become renowned for using the “Go-Go Offense,” which Lewis has praised.
Sanders further revealed that Lewis has not yet definitively secured the QB1 position, with former Utah Utes quarterback Isaac Wilson providing strong competition during spring training.
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“It’s an open competition at every position,” Sanders said. “Isaac (Wilson) is applying pressure, man, but that’s what you want. You want every position to have pressure applied. Like, you want those battles. These guys are really, really good.”
Wilson had his breakout season for the Utes in 2024, registering 1,510 passing yards on 56.4% completion, resulting in 10 touchdowns and 11 interceptions, while adding 47 rushing yards. He appeared in only one game in 2025 (against Colorado) before entering the transfer portal and joining the Buffs.
