Julian Lewis appears to be the future for the CU football program, and hope is important after a lost season. The Colorado Buffaloes have largely underwhelmed as a team since the Sanders brothers, Travis Hunter, and others left for the NFL. In a season that has felt different from the start, the Buffaloes have struggled to find a rhythm on offense, in part due to a revolving door at quarterback as they hoped to see a player separate himself from the pack. That door will revolve once more with only one game remaining.
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Buffs Quarterback Competition
With five quarterbacks on the roster, for all intents and purposes, the position was a wide-open competition. Kaidon Salter transferred in from Liberty for the 2025 season, Dominiq Ponder was a transfer before the 2024 season but had not yet seen any game action, Ryan Staub had returned after serving as the backup in 2024, Colton Allen was back for another year although he had not played as of yet, and last but certainly not least, and Julian Lewis, a true freshman had committed to attend CU.
First off the bench ended up being Kaidon Salter, before Ryan Staub was the top backup. Julian Lewis was the third quarterback waiting for the opportunity to get on the field. That chance came in week 9, and the Buffs wanted to see what else the young gun could do, allowing him to start in week 10 and week 11. Lewis had his struggles, but he also flashed the ability of a potential starter long-term.
With just 1 win on the season and 3 starts in 4 appearances, Lewis was able to gain some valuable experience heading into his second season with the Buffs. Looking long-term, the Buffs knew 1 more game in 2025 was not worth sacrificing a whole year of eligibility for Lewis.
Making the right move, they opted to shut Lewis down for the year to preserve his eligibility for future seasons. Given the state of college football, showing loyalty to your players and doing what is in their best interests will help retain talent and also develop younger players who can be building blocks for the future of a team. This also opens up a situation where Lewis comes into 2026 as the most likely starter for CU depending on what fruits the transfer portal and recruiting class bare.
2026 Outlook
As of right now Dominiq Ponder, Ryan Staub, and Colton Allen could be returning, which would realistically mean CU can stand pat at quarterback if they believe Juju is the guy. However I would anticipate the Buffaloes still looking to add a quarterback through the transfer portal to bring in a bit more experienced player at the position. Currently of that list, only Lewis, and Staub have meaningful playing time in college.
If the transfer portal is the pathway they choose to follow there are some intriguing options. Including CSU quarterback Brayden Fowler-Nicolosi who was a two year starter for CSU prior to 2025.
Jax Leatherwood could make for another option, at 6’8 253 pounds he certainly brings NFL size to the position, he also now has two years of starting experience between his time at San Diego Mesa College, and Southeast Missouri.
Braeden Fuller was a 2024 Harlon Hill finalist, and heading into 2026 finds himself in the portal. Could competing with Lewis be enough to woo him to CU?
Who will be the next quarterback to join the Mount Rushmore of CU Quarterbacks?
- Portal Flooded with UConn Players For 2026 In Light of Mora News
- Jake’s Big Ten Football 2025 Season Preview
- NIL: The Power Struggle in 2025 and Beyond
- 2024 NCAA Frozen Four Tournament Preview
- College Football Playoff Picks 2023-24
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