Indiana insider shares Hoosiers' backup plan to Colorado football flip target Julian Lewis

Colorado football flip target Julian Lewis canceled his visits to Indiana but remains in play for the Buffs and USC, which may feel its grip slipping as the Trojans continue to underwhelm during the 2024 season. CU, as we know, is outpacing expectations and suddenly looks like a potential perennial pro factory under Deion Sanders and his NFL experience-laden coaching staff.

The Hoosiers are undefeated and in pole position to reach the College Football Playoff. IU, unlike Colorado, has a successor to its starting quarterback next year. As The Daily Hoosier's Mike Schumann notes, fill-in starter Tayven Jackson will be back and Curt Cignetti could look for a transfer portal option in the offseason.

"Indiana does not appear to be recruiting any other quarterbacks in the 2025 class.  Slated to return next season are Tayven Jackson, who will be a redshirt junior in 2025, and Tyler Cherry and Alberto Mendoza, who will both be redshirt freshmen," Schumann wrote.

"Cignetti will likely look for a transfer during the offseason to compete for the starting job in 2025.  And after the success Rourke has had this season, there should be plenty of interest from veteran quarterbacks across the college football landscape."

Julian Lewis is Colorado football's chosen one to succeed Shedeur Sanders

Shedeur Sanders has made it clear that Lewis is the only replacement he'd fully bless in Boulder.

"You know, Julian coming, he may be able to take over the reins, but I wouldn't be mad at that," Sanders told On SI's Kris Miller. "Whoever is the next quarterback, it should be Julian, but he'll be like his new son."

Lewis would have unmatched exposure in Colorado and would have a head coach willing to take the media scrutiny for him.

Sounds like a good deal at CU if USC can't keep his attention.