Colorado quarterback Julian Lewis is already getting treated like a name to know before he’s even fully settled into his second season.
ESPN’s Adam Rittenberg included Lewis among the quarterbacks to watch in the Big 12 when he put together a list of the top passers in each college conference. That group features some of the biggest names in the sport, including Texas’ Arch Manning, Ohio State’s Julian Sayin and Ole Miss’ Trinidad Chambliss, along with Big 12 quarterbacks such as Bear Bachmeier of BYU, TCU’s Jaden Craig and Baylor’s DJ Lagway.
For Colorado, Lewis being mentioned in that kind of company matters. It is less about where he stacks up right now and more about the fact that a quarterback entering only his second season is already being discussed on the same stage as established headliners.
One coach quoted by Rittenberg called Lewis "Super talented," and added, "It's going to be really interesting to see how he's utilized in that offense. It's just unconventional in a lot of ways."
Lewis arrived in Boulder with major expectations attached. He was one of the most highly regarded recruits in the country, ranked No. 2 overall in the 2025 ESPN 300 and rated the No. 2 quarterback in that class. His commitment gave Deion Sanders and Colorado what looked like a possible long-term answer at the game’s most important position.
That hype is starting to turn into real national attention. ESPN also pegged Lewis as Colorado’s player to watch in its 2026 Big 12 preview, another sign that the spotlight is already fixed on what he might become.
The Buffaloes are trying to rebound from a difficult 2025 season, and the quarterback situation is a big part of why Lewis matters so much heading into 2026. Colorado also has a new offensive coordinator in Brennan Marion, giving Lewis a fresh system and a real chance to grow into the centerpiece of the offense.
He won’t need to step in and instantly match the production of Manning or any other marquee quarterback. What Colorado needs first is steadiness: a passer who can keep the offense moving, make good decisions and hit shots when they’re there.
The bigger question is whether Lewis can become the kind of quarterback the Buffaloes can build around for the next several seasons. That is the real weight behind ESPN’s recognition.
For now, being included with the nation’s top quarterbacks does not mean Lewis has arrived. It means the proving ground is here.
If he takes the expected leap in 2026, Lewis could go from elite recruit to one of the Big 12’s most talked-about quarterbacks in a hurry. And for Colorado, that kind of jump could end up shaping the season.
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