Colorado quarterback Julian Lewis reveals he wasn’t reading defenses for majority of 2025 season
Julian Lewis Opens Up About Defensive Recognition During Colorado's 2025 Campaign
Colorado quarterback Julian Lewis reveals he wasn - As Big 12 Media Days unfolded in Frisco, Texas, journalists gathered to collect stories that would sustain fan interest through the remaining weeks before the 2026 football season begins. Among the programs consistently delivering compelling narratives is Colorado, a team that benefits enormously from having Deion Sanders at the helm. The charismatic head coach, affectionately known as Neon Deion, naturally draws attention wherever he goes. Yet, surprisingly, it was not the legendary coach who captured headlines with his most memorable statement on Tuesday afternoon.
Instead, the spotlight fell on Colorado's quarterback, Julian "JuJu" Lewis. The highly-touted five-star recruit from Georgia navigated a lengthy and complicated recruitment journey before ultimately committing to Boulder for the 2025 season. During his freshman year, Lewis primarily served as a backup to starter Kaidon Salter, though he did earn playing time in several contests. His statistical performance presented a mixed picture: a perfect 4:0 touchdown-to-interception ratio demonstrated flashes of brilliance, while an 0-2 team record and a 55 percent completion percentage revealed significant opportunities for improvement.
A Candid Admission About Preparation
What truly caught observers off guard was Lewis's response when asked about his primary area for growth heading into the upcoming season. His answer was straightforward and somewhat surprising.
"I'm actually looking at the defenses now," Lewis explained. "Last year we (weren't) really looking at defenses much, just kind of high school free-balling, just out there playing football."
It is worth noting that Lewis likely did not intend to suggest that Colorado completely neglected defensive analysis in their film room. As a true freshman who had not yet reached voting age when the 2025 season commenced, Lewis may have simply been expressing that he felt somewhat overwhelmed by defensive reads while on the field during games. Nevertheless, numerous internet users interpreted his comments quite literally, and in today's sports media landscape, public perception frequently becomes accepted reality.
Implications for Colorado's Program
If taken at face value, Lewis's statement presents an unfavorable narrative for Coach Prime and the entire Colorado coaching staff. The Buffaloes finished with a 3-9 record last season, marking a decline from their impressive nine-win campaign in 2024. This regression occurred despite the presence of talented contributors, and the program subsequently lost several key players including Shedeur Sanders, Travis Hunter, and Jimmy Horn Jr.
On a positive note, Deion Sanders brought in Brennan Marion as the new offensive coordinator. Marion has earned recognition as one of the sport's most innovative offensive minds, particularly for developing his distinctive "Go-Go" scheme during his tenure at UNLV. Many observers believe this strategic addition may have already addressed some of the offensive challenges that plagued the team.
Looking Ahead to 2026
Time will ultimately determine whether Lewis's candid admission was a momentary misstep or a genuine reflection of the team's preparation. For a program that places tremendous emphasis on flash, excitement, and polished presentation under Prime's leadership, this quote carries considerable weight as evidence of potential shortcomings.
While the statement could easily have been misunderstood, results on the field often validate or contradict verbal explanations. The coming year should prove illuminating as Lewis benefits from additional preparation time and the opportunity to work closely with Marion's system. The young quarterback possesses all the necessary physical tools and athletic ability; the challenge now lies in synthesizing those talents into consistent performance. If Lewis can translate his raw potential into reliable execution while demonstrating improved defensive recognition, Colorado may find itself positioned for a significant turnaround in the 2026 season.
The intersection of youth, inexperience, and high expectations creates both vulnerability and opportunity for programs like Colorado. Lewis's willingness to acknowledge areas needing improvement, even if phrased imperfectly, suggests a player ready to grow. Whether this represents a genuine gap in preparation or simply a freshman's honest perspective remains to be seen, but the Buffaloes' fanbase will undoubtedly be watching closely as the new season approaches.