Five star recruit Julian Lewis poses on Folsom field for a instagram post. Lewis committed to the University of Colorado’s football team on Nov. 21, 2024 (Photo courtesy of CU Athletics)
The long-awaited decision is official: five-star quarterback recruit Julian “JuJu” Lewis has committed to play for the University of Colorado next year. Lewis, ESPN’s No. 2 recruit for the 2025 class, had previously verbally committed to the University of Southern California but reversed that decision earlier this week.
Lewis, a quarterback from Carrollton, Georgia, was recruited by Colorado’s Pat Shurmur after months of speculation and a warm welcome from Buffaloes fans during visits to the program. He has over 10,000 career passing yards and was originally a 2026 prospect. However, Lewis chose to reclassify into the 2025 recruitment class, quickly rising to become one of the top 25 recruits in the country—one of only four players to achieve that distinction in the past two decades.
In high school, Lewis made a name for himself after being named MaxPreps National Sophomore of the Year in 2023. He was also a two-time Region Offensive Player of the Year and helped Carrollton finish the season with an 11-2 record. Before deciding to commit to No. 16 Colorado, Lewis had accumulated 10,054 passing yards, with a completion percentage of 69%. He aims to take over as the Buffaloes’ starting quarterback, potentially playing his first college games at just 17 years old.
Lewis announced his commitment on Instagram with the caption, “It’s definitely perfect timing!” He also joined ESPN’s The Pat McAfee Show to confirm the decision.
“I will be continuing my athletic and academic career at the University of Colorado,” Lewis said. “Of course, it’s big for me coming in after Shedeur, it’s definitely a blessing being put in this position, coming in after [Shedeur] and his dad. I couldn’t beat it.”
The young star is expected to play a major role in Colorado’s future success. The Buffaloes are currently tied for first place in the Big 12 with Brigham Young University (6-1 in conference play). Lewis first visited Boulder on June 21 and officially committed on Nov. 21.
Contact CU Independent football beat writer Julie Torten Rabinowitz at julie.torten.rabinowitz@colorado.edu
