Julian “JuJu” Lewis pays tribute to Kordell Stewart

You don’t wear No. 10 at Colorado without knowing who wore it first.

Julian “JuJu” Lewis knows.

The true freshman quarterback, one of the highest-rated recruits in program history, is set to wear No. 10 this fall—an unmistakable number worn by CU legend Kordell Stewart. The same number Stewart wore while leading the Buffs in the early 1990s and authoring one the most iconic play in Colorado football history: the 64-yard Hail Mary to Michael Westbrook that stunned Michigan in 1994.

Stewart wasn’t just a great Colorado quarterback—he is the greatest Colorado quarterback. So when Lewis, was granted the number, at least he made sure to make it a tribute.

Lewis knows what it means

Lewis’ father, T. Carlton Lewis, shared his appreciation for the moment on X, calling it one of those small things “that go a long way” in helping a young player feel at home. Julian followed up with a post of his own, tagging Stewart:

Stewart responded:

“From day one you’ve been doing your thing. Proud of you and keep doing what you’ve been doing, 10!! Let’s SKOOOO.”

There’s history here. The two first crossed paths during youth football camps in Georgia. Back then, Stewart had no idea the kid he was encouraging would one day wear his number at his alma mater. Now, the torch has been passed—subtly, but unmistakably.

The retirement debate isn’t going away

The timing of this moment is hard to ignore.

Just this past April, Colorado retired Shedeur Sanders’ No. 2 and Travis Hunter’s No. 12 during the spring game. The decision drew praise and criticism alike. Former Buffs stars like Joel Klatt, Phillip Lindsay, Chad Brown, and David Bakhtiari all voiced concern—not because they didn’t respect Sanders or Hunter, but because of what was skipped over.

You want a shortlist of CU legends whose numbers haven’t been retired? Try Darian Hagan, Eric Bieniemy, Alfred Williams, and yes—Kordell Stewart.

“Shedeur Sanders’ number is off-limits. But not Kordell Stewart’s?” That is the general sentiment among many CU alumni and fans.

It’s a fair question.

But here’s where this becomes more than just debate: Kordell doesn’t seem to be bothered. Not publicly, at least.

Unlike Bieniemy, who voiced his disappointment earlier this year, Stewart responded to Lewis with encouragement, not frustration. If he’s not upset, should anyone else be?

Still, if the retirement of Sanders and Hunter's numbers is meant to spark a new era of honoring greats, then maybe this is the moment to go back and do it right. Starting with No. 10.

Lewis has earned the respect

All of this would ring a little hollow if Lewis were just a highly-ranked recruit trying to build a brand. But that’s not who he is.

He’s a two-time Gatorade Georgia Player of the Year. He threw for over 11,000 yards and 144 touchdowns in three years at Carrollton High School—good enough to place him in the Georgia state record books. He reclassified from the 2026 to the 2025 class to start his college journey early. He wants to compete. Now.

Lewis enters a quarterback battle this fall with Liberty transfer Kaidon Salter and returner Ryan Staub. Salter, with his experience, might have the edge heading into camp. But Lewis isn’t here to sit quietly for two years. His decision to wear No. 10 says it all—he’s embracing the pressure, the expectations, and the legacy that comes with it.

This one feels right

The Shedeur-Travis jersey retirement discussion will continue to stir reactions. And to be fair, there’s plenty to unpack there.

But Julian Lewis quietly stepping into Kordell Stewart’s number—and doing so with Stewart’s blessing—feels like the perfect bridge between Colorado’s 90s glory and the Prime era.

It’s simply a young quarterback showing respect to Kordell who helped define what it means to be a QB in Boulder. All before Julian was even born.

He knows what No. 10 represents. Now, he’s got to live up to it.

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