Colorado lands four-star quarterback Julian “Ju Ju” Lewis after his de-commitment from USC, marking a significant milestone for the program.
Lewis, a standout in the Class of 2025, made the announcement on Thursday, solidifying his status as one of the premier quarterback prospects. He is ranked as the sixth-best quarterback by 247 Sports and ninth by On3. Initially a high-profile recruit in the Class of 2026, Lewis opted to reclassify, demonstrating his ambition and readiness to compete at the collegiate level sooner.
Reflecting on his decision, Lewis shared with ESPN, “Of course it was big for me, just coming in after Shedeur, just seeing what he’s done to Colorado and what he’s turned it into. It’s definitely a blessing, getting put in this position, coming after him and his dad. I couldn’t beat it.”
Currently attending Carrollton High School in Georgia, Lewis had been committed to USC but recently announced his de-commitment. Other schools like Indiana, Georgia, and Auburn were also in the mix as potential destinations.
A compelling pitch from Deion Sanders played a pivotal role in Lewis’s decision to join Colorado.
“Coach Prime’s always said the best man’s going to play, and that’s really what I wanted — to be able to come in and compete, start as a freshman,” Lewis explained. “I wouldn’t have much fun sitting on the bench, so I want to come in somewhere I can get a chance to play. So he’s going to let me compete for that. That was big for me.”
Lewis’s commitment arrives at a promising time for Colorado, which boasts an impressive 8-2 record and is in contention for the Big 12 title, positioning them for a potential spot in the College Football Playoff.
Shedeur Sanders has been instrumental in this success, showcasing his skills as one of the nation’s elite passers. This season, he has amassed 3,222 passing yards, thrown 27 touchdowns, and recorded seven interceptions, with many anticipating his declaration for the 2025 NFL Draft.
As the younger Sanders prepares to leave, speculation surrounds Deion Sanders’s future at Colorado, with discussions about a possible move to the NFL gaining traction. Deion even sought advice from Ice Cube regarding this potential transition during the premiere of his podcast, “We Got Time Today.”
Lewis appears optimistic about Coach Sanders’s commitment to Colorado, stating, “I’m excited for the opportunity to get to work and compete. Colorado wasn’t recruiting me until I reclassed, so it really was perfect timing. This is only the beginning. I trust Coach Prime and [offensive coordinator Pat] Shurmur to help me become the player that I want to be.”
This commitment stands out as one of the most significant recruiting victories for Deion Sanders in his five-season coaching career. He previously made headlines by securing Travis Hunter’s commitment at Jackson State in 2021 and landing offensive tackle Jordan Seaton last offseason.
While Sanders has primarily utilized the transfer portal to bolster his roster, Lewis’s commitment elevates Colorado’s Class of 2025 to the 66th-best recruiting class in the FBS, according to 247 Sports.
