Julian Lewis is the newest name looking to shine under Coach Prime’s spotlight. And why not? The freshman phenom out of Carrollton High has all the tools—elite arm talent, sharp reads, and pinpoint accuracy. But raw talent alone won’t win you the QB1 job in Boulder. Here, Lewis is learning that fast. Here’s the kicker—Colorado’s QB room is stacked, so earning reps doesn’t come easy. And Lewis’ father, T. Carlton Lewis, summed it up perfectly after Day 3 of spring practice, writing, “6 months to learn and prepare. #TrustGod #KeepWorking.” Honestly, the message is clear—Julian’s journey is just getting started, and the grind is real.
Look, Julian isn’t the only gunslinger gunning for QB1 in Boulder. We all know the competition is fierce—and full of experience. Enter Kaidon Salter, a dual-threat dynamo from Liberty, who brings big numbers and big-game poise. Well, with over 5,800 passing yards and 2,000 on the ground, Salter is a proven starter and a legit contender to lead CU’s offense in 2025. Then, add in Ryan Staub, a returner entering his 3rd year with the Buffs, and the battle only gets deeper. As of now, while he hasn’t seen much action, Staub knows the playbook and is ready to make his move. But even in the middle of this QB chaos, Julian Lewis found a moment of clarity, making an endearing admission about his father that reminded everyone what keeps him grounded.
On the April 4th episode of The Pivot Podcast, hosts Ryan Clark, Channing Crowder, and Fred Taylor sat down with Colorado QB Julian Lewis—and things got real about NIL. When Crowder brought up how wild it must be to negotiate big money deals at just 17, Lewis didn’t flinch. Instead, he kept it honest, saying, “I mean, I don’t control none of my money. Like, I don’t touch it, I don’t talk about it — my dad, my David, everybody at Athletes First — they kind of control all my financial stuff…” So, for Julian, it’s all about staying focused on football while letting the grown-ups handle the green.
Here’s where Julian Lewis got real about the wild world of NIL. Sitting in rooms with grown men, debating how much his talent is worth, at just 17, “it’s kind of ridiculous,” admitted Lewis. But he gets it—it’s the new era of CFB. “Football’s developing. We’re blessed that it’s changing in our time… we get a chance to be a part of the NIL era,” said the standout QB. So, for Lewis, it’s not just about the money—it’s about the moment. And right now, he’s soaking it all in.
However, Julian “JuJu” Lewis is already playing in the big leagues—off the field. Well, with a sizzling $1.1 M NIL valuation in early 2025, the freshman phenom ranks among the top names in CFB. He’s inked deals with Alo Yoga, Fanstake, and Jaxxon Jewelry, proving his brand is as sharp as his arm. You can say Lewis started building his empire before even stepping on campus. And now, under Coach Prime’s spotlight at CU, his star power is only rising. JuJu’s not just chasing greatness—he’s rewriting the NIL playbook for the next wave of young athletes.
But while NIL has boosted JuJu’s market value, the rising QB made waves with a bold Shedeur Sanders confession.
The newest revelation from Julian Lewis
With all eyes on Colorado and Shedeur Sanders off to the NFL, many figured Julian Lewis would step right into the spotlight. Well, given his elite ranking and sky-high potential, it felt like a natural next move. But JuJu isn’t buying into the hype, because he knows the road to QB1 in Boulder isn’t paved with stars—it’s earned through reps, grit, and proving yourself every day. So, the competition? It’s very real.
And when Fred Taylor asked what excites him most about taking that next step, Julian Lewis kept it genuine, stating, “Honestly, I couldn’t even tell you. I’m just happy I get a chance to compete for the job.” But JuJu didn’t stop there, and he broke down the moment with refreshing honesty. “A lot of guys come into big situations like I had—Shedeur leaving—so it wasn’t like I had to compete against some senior that’s been there four years. But we had Salter transfer in from Liberty. I’m just blessed to have the chance to compete,” said Lewis.
So, for Lewis, it’s not about expectations—it’s about the grind. Look, Julian Lewis isn’t just stepping into Shedeur Sanders’ shoes—he’s studying the footsteps. Yes, the freshman phenom made it clear he values Sanders’ guidance, calling it “a blessing” to learn from someone who’s been through the grind. “Just understanding their path, it’s humbling,” said Lewis. Honestly, that kind of respect speaks volumes.
Let’s be real, he’s not just chasing the spotlight—he’s committed to earning it the right way.
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