Colorado Turns to Freshman QB Julian Lewis Amid Offensive Overhaul

Colorado head coach Deion Sanders is taking decisive steps to revitalize a faltering football program. Following a 3-6 start to the season and a pair of lopsided losses, Sanders announced that freshman quarterback Julian Lewis will start against West Virginia — a move that reflects both a tactical shift and an investment in the team’s long-term future.

Lewis’ debut as a starter is part of Sanders’ effort to correct an offense that has lacked rhythm and consistency for much of the year. The Buffaloes have struggled to sustain drives and avoid negative plays, with inefficiency at quarterback emerging as a central issue. By turning to a timing-based passer, Sanders hopes to restore order to a unit that has been plagued by turnovers and stalled possessions.

The decision also provides an opportunity to evaluate the next generation of Colorado talent. Lewis, a prized recruit who flipped his commitment from USC, impressed the staff with his poise and quick release in limited action. With bowl hopes hanging by a thread, the final stretch of the season offers valuable developmental reps for the young quarterback.

“It’s common sense,” Sanders said this week. “He’s healthy, he’s ready, and we need a spark.” That spark may determine whether Colorado can salvage some momentum in the closing weeks of a disappointing campaign.

1. Staff Shake-Up After Utah Blowout

Sanders’ decision to start Lewis isn’t the only change in Boulder. According to On3, the Colorado staff also underwent a significant shift following the team’s 53-7 loss to Utah. Offensive coordinator Pat Shurmur was quietly stripped of his play-calling duties — a move confirmed by USA Today’s Brent Schrotenboer, who reported that tight ends coach and passing game coordinator Brett Bartolone has handled play-calling since. Shurmur, a former NFL head coach with the New York Giants and Cleveland Browns, joined the Buffaloes in 2023 after a stint as the Denver Broncos’ offensive coordinator. Despite his pedigree, Colorado’s offense has remained inconsistent under his direction, ranking near the bottom of the Big 12 in scoring and total yardage. Bartolone’s elevation represents Sanders’ latest attempt to recalibrate his offensive identity. The move follows a similar midseason shake-up last year, when play-calling duties were taken from Sean Lewis and handed to Shurmur. Lewis later left to become head coach at San Diego State, leaving Colorado once again searching for answers on offense. Though the switch hasn’t yet translated into wins — the Buffaloes fell 52-17 to Arizona in Bartolone’s first game as primary play-caller — Sanders appears committed to the adjustment. With a new quarterback and a streamlined staff structure, Colorado is betting on improved rhythm and communication to steady the offense.

2. Building Around a New Quarterback

Julian Lewis’ promotion is about more than just a spark — it’s a statement about the kind of offense Sanders wants to run. The Buffaloes’ previous system leaned heavily on isolation routes and deep drops, often exposing the quarterback to pressure and forcing extended plays. Lewis’ style offers a different approach: quick decisions, clean timing, and an emphasis on short-to-intermediate accuracy. Against Arizona, Lewis provided glimpses of what that identity might look like. Though his reps came late in a blowout, he delivered the ball with decisiveness, keeping the tempo up and reducing the drive-killing mistakes that have defined Colorado’s offense since September. Sanders hopes that with Bartolone’s high-tempo, spread-based play design, Lewis can operate efficiently and minimize negative plays. The staff’s focus is now on simplifying the system. Sanders has emphasized that Colorado’s offensive issues stem not from a lack of talent, but from execution and discipline. By tailoring the playbook to Lewis’ strengths — fast reads, short throws, and steady rhythm — the Buffaloes believe they can regain offensive stability. If the adjustment clicks, it could provide a blueprint for 2026 and beyond. Developing Lewis now gives the staff a clearer picture of the team’s future — and perhaps a cornerstone to build around as Sanders continues reshaping the program.

3. Sanders Takes Accountability as Pressure Mounts

As the season unravels, Deion Sanders has made a point of shouldering responsibility for Colorado’s struggles. Following the Arizona loss, he prevented players from speaking to the media, insisting that criticism should be directed at him and his coaching staff rather than his roster. “Come after me,” Sanders told reporters. “Not them.” The message underscores Sanders’ belief in protecting his players while maintaining high standards. He has publicly acknowledged the team’s discipline issues — penalties, turnovers, and missed assignments — while continuing to stress effort and competitiveness. “We haven’t quit,” he said. “We just have to clean it up.” At 3-6 overall and 1-5 in Big 12 play, Colorado’s margin for error is razor-thin. A late-season surge is still mathematically possible, but the road ahead includes matchups against several ranked opponents. The key will be balancing development with performance — finding ways to compete while building toward next season. Whether the changes pay off remains to be seen. But Sanders’ willingness to make bold moves — both on the sideline and in the lineup — shows that the head coach is still determined to reshape Colorado into a disciplined, dynamic program. Starting Julian Lewis may not fix everything overnight, but it marks a clear step toward the future.