Colorado head coach Deion Sanders confirmed on Tuesday that true freshman quarterback Julian Lewis will sit out the final regular season game to preserve his redshirt status.
Lewis was a five-star prospect that Sanders flipped from USC last offseason. He was the expected starter with the departure of Shedeur Sanders. However, late in the process Sanders signed Kaidon Salter out of the transfer portal from Liberty.
Both Lewis and Salter would compete for the starting job. Ultimately Salter won the job in camp. After a few less than stellar outings, Salter was eventually replaced by long time backup Ryan Staub.
The team would experience a slight game of quarterback musical chairs until the Arizona game on November 1st. In three games Lewis has registered 589 yards passing on 55.3% and four touchdowns to no interceptions.
Lewis played in four games, the maximum allowed while not losing redshirt status. In those four games, Colorado lost three that Lewis started. While Lewis played admirably, especially against West Virginia, the only game he played in that Colorado won was a dominant win over Delaware State in their first year as an FBS program.
Sanders comments on Lewis from his Tuesday press conference
“I've made a decision that Juju is going to red shirt,” Sanders said. “That's my decision. I want what's best for the kid, what's best for his family, what's best for this wonderful university that has given me the tremendous opportunity and given him opportunity. I think for the program its best for everyone, but mainly it's great for him.”
Sanders would go on to add context to that decision. “So, I'm not going to say he was happy because he's a competitor. He wants to compete. He wants to play. So, Kaidon Salter would start this week. Staub would be the backup there for unless something crazy happens, an injury or whatever in practice. But that's where we're going. He wants to compete, and I love him for it. He really does. So, that's on me.”
Lewis was asked on Tuesday about his future with the program. He all but completely closed the door on the idea he might consider entering the transfer portal. "I'm a Buff through and through" Lewis said. "I've got my crib out here; all my guys are out here. I've got no reason to go."
The Buffaloes wrap up a difficult season when they travel to Kansas State. While Colorado is not in contention for a bowl game and are not contenders in the Big 12, it would seem there is little to play for. However, if Colorado were to win that game, they would equal the win total from 2023. If they lose that game, 2025 will have been the worst record under Sanders while at Colorado.
Colorado at Kansas State kicks off at Noon ET and will broadcast on FS1.
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