Colorado quarterback Julian Lewis is recovering after a medical emergency at the University of Colorado athletic facility sent him to the hospital, according to a statement from his father, T. Carlton Lewis, posted on social media Thursday, Oct. 29.
“Yesterday, Julian experienced a medical emergency at the University of Colorado athletic facility and was promptly transported to the hospital. He is recovering and thankful to his medical team, teammates, and Colorado fans for their prayers and support.
Please respect Julian and the Lewis family's privacy. We will have no further comment at this time,” the family said.
The news comes after Colorado listed Lewis as “Doubtful” on Wednesday’s availability report for the Kansas State game.
Lewis opened the season as Colorado’s starter in the first four games under Deion Sanders, working in the program’s new offense with coordinator Brennan Marion. He helped the Buffaloes beat Georgia Tech and Weber State before the loss to Northwestern. He also started the first half of the Baylor game, but Colorado turned to Isaac Wilson after halftime with the Buffaloes trailing 10-3.
Through 3.5 games, Lewis has thrown for 733 yards with six touchdowns and no interceptions. He has been sacked eight times, and his rushing numbers sit at -45 yards with one touchdown.
Lewis arrived in Colorado as a four-star recruit after originally committing to USC and coach Lincoln Riley. He appeared in four games as a true freshman in 2025, and Colorado chose to preserve his redshirt.
Before the medical emergency, Sanders was asked on Tuesday whether Lewis would return this season.
“That’s on him. Great question, but that’s on him,” Sanders said.
Sanders also rejected the suggestion that he had handled Lewis unfairly while Wilson has run the offense since the second half of the Baylor loss.
“I don't treat people unfairly,” Sanders said. “I don't play games with young men and their careers or hate on folks.
If anything, I'm too forgiving. You have to understand that we may know more a little more than you do because we're inside the locker room and understands what happens including what clicks and what doesn't.
You guys on the outside think you see what goes on inside but you don't. And that's not a shot at any of you, but it's not for me to guess or assume.”
Colorado will issue another availability report on Thursday and Friday, then again 90 minutes before kickoff against Kansas State. The Buffaloes are trying to end a five-game losing streak when they host the Wildcats on Halloween, with kickoff set for 12 p.m.
MT on Saturday, Oct. 31.
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