Many expected that the Colorado QB competition was a foregone conclusion. With the two battling being an experienced 29-game FBS starter in Liberty transfer Kaidon Salter and a much-ballyhooed true freshman in Julian Lewis, it seemed rather obvious that Deion Sanders and the Buffs coaching staff would lean toward the proven commodity over the inexperienced wunderkind.
And while that still remains the most likely scenario with less than three weeks before Colorado opens the season against Georgia Tech, credit to Lewis for making this an actual competition and not being content to accept his fate as a backup for his freshman season. He has no desire to be handed the keys from Salter after the season; he fully intends to snatch them and not give them back.
ESPN is the latest to see the vision, joining PFF by naming Lewis as one of the Top 10 freshmen to watch in 2025.
"He'll likely start the season behind Liberty transfer Kaidon Salter, but the 17-year-old freshman will gain ground as the season, and his grasp of the offense, progresses. He's physical with smooth mechanics and great accuracy. The ball comes out quickly and on time, and he's rarely rattled. Though the offensive line looks much improved, Colorado still has a history of giving up sacks and big hits on the quarterback, making Lewis one snap from leading the Buffs' offense in 2025."Billy Tucker, ESPN
Julian Lewis will make an impact sooner rather than later for Colorado
Don't be surprised if Deion Sanders and OC Pat Shurmur decide to implement a two-QB system in 2025. Shurmur has already hinted at it. If both quarterbacks are good enough to play, I expect Coach Prime to play both quarterbacks.
Salter will bring a new dynamic to the offense with his game-breaking ability on the ground. Colorado is committed to being better at running the football in 2025, and with an elite running QB and what should be a much-improved offensive line, that should be a given.
But Colorado's roots under Coach Prime have been throwing the football all over the yard. Salter is better at that than he's given credit for, but Lewis might just be a savant. He's got a preternatural ability to put the ball in the right spots, and his anticipation and timing is of a quarterback well beyond his years.
Those are skills that Colorado will want to take advantage of as soon as possible.