Let’s get this out of the way: Julian “JuJu” Lewis isn’t here to be the next Shedeur Sanders.
He’s not interested in mimicking the legend that just left Boulder with a pile of broken records and a retired No. 2 jersey (even if he was seen flashing his watch).
Julian Lewis’ AP at Big 12 media days pic.twitter.com/HIOuMltyCL
— Ari Wasserman (@AriWasserman) July 9, 2025
At 17 years old, Lewis already understands something it takes most college quarterbacks years to figure out—you don’t walk into a legacy, you build your own.
“I honestly don't look at it as trying to fill his shoes,” Lewis said during Big 12 Media Days. “I think I'm trying to create my own path.”
That’s the kind of mindset that gives you goosebumps.
Because we know Shedeur Sanders wasn’t just any quarterback, and trust me, we are going to miss having him under center.
He was the face of the program. The son of the head coach. Taking us from 1-11 and turning CU into the most-watched story in college football.
He threw for over 6,000 yards, played through pain, and left Boulder as a program-changer.
Those are big shoes.
But Julian Lewis isn’t trying to wear them.
The path to Boulder
Lewis arrives in Colorado with more hype than any quarterback recruit we’ve seen—ever.
A five-star prospect by ESPN and Rivals, Lewis was rated the No. 2 overall player in the country and the top-ranked QB from Georgia.
He flipped to the Buffs live on The Pat McAfee Show last November, becoming the highest-rated commit in CU history.
His resume reads like something out of Friday Night Lights fan fiction:
• 11,010 career passing yards in just three high school seasons
• 144 touchdown passes (fifth all-time in Georgia)
• Back-to-back Gatorade Georgia Player of the Year awards
• National Freshman and Sophomore of the Year honors from MaxPreps
• A 39–4 record as a starter
Still, the wildest thing is that he reclassified from the 2026 class to 2025 just to get to Boulder early and start learning.
And this week, still at just 17 years old, he was sitting on stage representing Colorado at Big 12 Media Days—cool, calm, and completely locked in.
Coach Prime’s view
Deion Sanders made it clear this week: he doesn’t know who’s going to start at quarterback. He brought both Lewis and Liberty transfer Kaidon Salter to Frisco for a reason—because the battle is very real.
“JuJu is coming around the mountain when he comes,” Sanders said, grinning. “But Kaidon is off the chain. He’s been there, done that. I wouldn’t have brought him here if I didn’t trust him.”
Translation? Lewis probably won't start Week 1. Coach Prime wants to bring him along the right way.
And that’s exactly how Lewis sees it.
“I think football is football,” he said. “The level of intensity and athletes might change a little bit, but Georgia football is probably the closest thing to college you can get. I’m just trying to do the little things right and keep getting better.”
That kind of humility, especially from a kid who’s been hyped since he was 14, is rare. And it’s exactly what Colorado needs right now.
Why this matters for Buffs Nation
Look, no matter who wins the starting job this year, the Buffs are in good hands. Salter has experience. Lewis has star potential.
And with an experience-loaded O-line, a talented receiver room, and a more physical defense, this team could surprise people in the Big 12.
But Lewis represents a symbol of what Coach Prime is building here: a future.
Lewis is a foundational piece and a kid who could spend the next three years rewriting CU’s record books—just like Shedeur did—but with his own style and his own story.
So don’t compare him and don’t count him out.
Just let him be JuJu.
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