Deion Sanders Names Julian Lewis as Colorado's QB1, Calls Decision 'Common Sense'

Colorado head coach Deion Sanders confirmed that Julian Lewis will start at quarterback for Saturday's game against West Virginia.

Sanders chalked it up to "common sense" when asked why he's elevating the true freshman:

Lewis is the third different quarterback to start for the Buffs in 2025, which says everything about how inconsistent their play under center has been.

Signing the Georgia native was a bit of a coup for Sanders and his staff as the signal-caller sat sixth at the position in 247Sports' composite rankings. Coach Prime covered his bases by adding Kaidon Salter, a two-year starter at Liberty, from the transfer portal.

Colorado was seemingly positioned very well as it moved on from Shedeur Sanders. It had a long-term development prospect in Lewis and a ready-made successor with Salter.

That idea looked misguided as soon as the season opened.

Salter has thrown for 1,242 yards, 10 touchdowns and six interceptions in eight games, production that doesn't match what he did in 2023 and 2024. Surprisingly, Sanders turned to third-stringer Ryan Staub rather than Lewis when he demoted Salter ahead of what proved to be a 36-20 loss to Houston.

With more time to adjust to the college game, Lewis might be better prepared to run the offense now than he was in mid-September. In relief of Salter in a 52-17 blowout at the hands of Arizona, he went 9-of-17 for 121 yards and a touchdown.

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With a 3-6 record, the Buffs have to win out in order to remain in play for a bowl game. Even if that happens, a .500 regular season and a lesser bowl appearance is likely to be deemed a disappointment in Boulder.

Should Lewis thrive as QB1, that would at least resolve a big question for Colorado heading into 2026.