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Colorado’s season is shifting under Deion Sanders as the Buffaloes prepare to hand the keys to a new signal-caller. After a turbulent start, the program appears ready to pivot, betting on a freshman prospect to stabilize an offense that has struggled to find traction.
Sanders set to roll with freshman Julian Lewis at QB vs. West Virginia
Sources told CBS Sports reporter Matt Zenitz that Colorado is poised to start freshman Julian Lewis in the upcoming game at West Virginia. If confirmed, Lewis will be the third different starter this year.
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The move signals urgency from the coaching staff. Sanders has publicly defended his players, but the current results have pushed the staff toward a clear change under center.
Who Julian Lewis is and why Colorado flipped for him
Lewis is a high-profile recruit who switched his commitment from USC to Colorado. His arrival was billed as a major recruiting win for Sanders and the Buffaloes.
- Highly rated high school prospect with strong recruiting buzz.
- Seen as a long-term investment for the offense.
- Has already taken snaps in practice and split reps earlier in the season.
Putting Lewis into game action now suggests Colorado is turning an eye to development and next season, while still trying to salvage this campaign.
How the QB carousel unfolded: Kaidon Salter’s mixed results
Kaidon Salter arrived with big expectations after leading Liberty to its first Fiesta Bowl. On the field, his season mixed playmaking moments with costly mistakes.
- Passing: 1,242 yards and 10 touchdowns.
- Turnovers: 6 interceptions.
- Rushing: 292 yards and 5 rushing TDs.
Salter extended plays with his legs but also suffered sacks and lost yardage on many designed and improvised runs. That inconsistency likely accelerated the plan to try a new starter.
Offensive decline: where Colorado ranks and what’s at stake
The post-Travis Hunter and Shedeur Sanders era has not gone smoothly. Colorado sits near the bottom of the Big 12 in offensive output.
- Ranking: 15th of 16 Big 12 teams in total offense.
- Touchdowns: Only Oklahoma State and Arizona State have fewer scores.
- Current record: 3-6.
With the remainder of the schedule free of ranked opponents, the Buffaloes still have a path to bowl eligibility. A stretch of wins is required to reach the six-win threshold.
Remaining outlook and immediate challenges
Colorado’s schedule does not include top-ranked teams the rest of the season, but tests remain. One key matchup is a home game against Arizona State, which has shown improvement this year.
- Next game: West Virginia — immediate chance for Lewis to prove himself.
- Upcoming home test: Arizona State (currently 6-3).
- Target: Win the next three games to become bowl eligible.
Sanders’ decision to change quarterbacks reflects both short-term urgency and a longer-term plan for the Buffaloes’ offense. How quickly Lewis adapts will shape Colorado’s path over the final stretch of the season.
