It is hard to know what the season for Colorado would've looked like had Deion Sanders named Julian Lewis the starter from the very beginning.
As a result, Colorado finished with a 3-9 record and hopes to improve in 2026.
Thankfully, quarterback isn’t a high priority in the transfer portal this offseason.
While it didn’t seem like the plan from the start, Lewis finally made his first collegiate start on the road against West Virginia in Week 11.
He did not disappoint.
Lewis posted a 79.0 passing grade according to Pro Football Focus in the loss, completing 22-of-35 passes for 299 yards and two touchdowns. In that game, he unleashed wide receiver Omarion Miller, who caught six passes for 131 yards and one touchdown.
Coach Prime benched Kaidon Salter just before halftime, forcing Lewis into action against Arizona. Similar to the West Virginia game, JuJu found Miller for a 59-yard touchdown pass.
A full season with those two in the offense would have been a scary sight.
Julian Lewis is the face of the Colorado program heading into 2026
Our hopes of seeing that in the 2026 season were dashed last week as we learned Miller would try his luck through the transfer portal after spending three years in Boulder.
Ultimately, Lewis preserved his redshirt by sitting out Colorado's season finale against Kansas State. Lewis would have been able to play the finale and still redshirt if he hadn't appeared in Colorado's week two win over Delaware at home.
Lewis' first season in Boulder was really just a stepping stone for him. Remember, he reclassified from the 2026 class to the 2025 class, which made him 17 years old at the start of the season.
Having the opportunity to sit for most of the season and start a few games toward the end is valuable for him when he becomes the guy next year.
The Buffs are in great hands with Lewis at quarterback, as well as newly signed offensive coordinator Brennan Marion calling plays for Colorado's redshirt freshman.
A high-flying offense like the "Go-Go" should suit Lewis well, as well as his weapons at wide receiver.