Julian “JuJu” Lewis isn’t just another highly-touted recruit. He’s the most important Colorado football recruit in over two decades.
Seriously. Let that sink in.
Lewis isn’t just another quarterback who lit up the high school stat sheet. He’s a once-in-a-generation kind of player who brings both historic production and the kind of buzz we’ve never seen in Boulder. From Gatorade trophies and Sports Illustrated covers to NIL headlines and Lamborghini sightings—JuJu has been under the microscope since he was a teen. And now, he’s a Buff.
This morning, the 17-year-old returned home to Carrollton, Georgia, to graduate high school after just three years. He did it while already enrolled at CU, already going through spring practices, and already learning the Buffaloes playbook. He took six extra classes—three during the summer, three during the school year—just to get here. That’s not hype. That’s hard work.
But to understand why this is such a huge deal, you have to look beyond the flash. The SI covers. The Lambo. The Darth Vader chain.
Lewis is the most heralded freshman quarterback to commit to Colorado in the modern recruiting era. No one else has come to Boulder with this kind of resume. No one.
He threw for over 11,000 yards and 144 touchdowns in just three years at Carrollton High. He won back-to-back Gatorade Georgia Player of the Year awards. He was trained by Ron Veal, the same QB coach who worked with Trevor Lawrence and Justin Fields. His mechanics, processing, and poise are elite for his age—and quite honestly, for most college starters.
JuJu’s decision to enroll early and skip his senior season wasn’t about ego. It was about focus. He knows where he’s going. And he knew that the best way to get there was to join Coach Prime’s program and start putting in the work now.
Why He Matters More Than Just Stats
Lewis isn’t just the future of the QB room. He’s the face of where this program is headed.
Since Coach Prime took over, Colorado has been trending in the right direction—but landing JuJu sent a message: we’re not just building flash; we’re building a foundation. His commitment already caused a ripple effect. Top receivers and linemen are suddenly taking CU seriously. This kid is a magnet.
And he fits what Colorado is doing offensively. With NFL minds like Byron Leftwich and Pat Shurmur on staff, and Marshall Faulk working with the backs, JuJu will be in a pro-style system built for his strengths. He’s not a scrambler. He’s a surgeon. A timing and rhythm quarterback who throws receivers open and reads defenses like a vet. Think Bo Nix or Bryce Young. That's the prototype.
Will He Start in 2025?
That’s the million-dollar question. As of now, Kaidon Salter, a dynamic transfer from Liberty, probably has the edge due to experience. But JuJu’s ceiling is higher. And if he doesn’t win the job in Week 1, he could still see reps—or burn his redshirt later in the season.
Deion Sanders hasn’t committed to anything yet. But one thing’s clear: Lewis isn’t just here to watch. He’s already earning respect in the locker room. He’s already making anticipation throws in spring practices that few QBs even attempt. The growth is coming fast.
Whether he starts Game 1 or not, Lewis is going to be a major part of the Buffs future. Probably the biggest part.
Final Thoughts
There’s no way to sugarcoat it—expectations are sky-high. But JuJu Lewis has been dealing with pressure since he was 14. He’s been on magazine covers, turned down seven-figure NIL deals, and still chose to bet on development over fame. That’s rare.
The Buffs might not be “back” just yet. But with Lewis on board, they’re building something special.
—
Want more stories like this? Follow us on X for all things Colorado football and Basketball.