Julian Lewis isn’t looking for an escape. As Colorado heads into its bye week, the true freshman quarterback made it clear he’s not using the time to relax or recharge. He’s staying in Boulder and getting to work. “I’m not going home,” Lewis said. “I’ll be in the facility watching film.”
That’s the kind of answer that turns heads, and it should. With Colorado sitting at 3-7, there’s no time for soft landings or feel-good narratives. Deion Sanders handed the keys to Lewis for the final stretch of the season, and the freshman isn’t shying away from the challenge.
Lewis was one of the most talked-about quarterback prospects in the country before reclassifying and enrolling early at Colorado. The decision to play him in the final three games officially burns his redshirt, a move that only makes sense if the coaching staff believes he’s ready to take command. That starts with preparation, and Lewis is showing he understands that.
The Buffaloes have struggled all year to find consistency on offense. The offensive line hasn’t held up, the run game has been nonexistent, and quarterback play has been streaky at best. Lewis steps into the mess with a fresh slate, but no room for excuses. If Colorado wants to finish strong and carry momentum into 2026, it starts with the quarterback taking control of the locker room and the playbook.
The next step is on the field. Watching film won’t matter if he can’t move the chains, take care of the football, and avoid rookie mistakes. But this is the kind of mindset Deion Sanders wants in his locker room. If nothing else, it shows Lewis isn’t flinching.
He’s not going home. He’s trying to change the direction of this program.
