Well, Julian Lewis didn’t just ease into the Black and Gold spring game; he exploded the scene. The former five-star recruit arrived in Boulder, generating significant buzz, and immediately proved he’s a contender in Colorado’s quarterback competition. He’s neck and neck with Liberty transfer Kaidon Salter, both vying for the starting role, but Lewis made sure he tipped his cap to the guy who lit up the path for him—Shedeur Sanders. And he made sure that the torch didn’t drop cold.

Before lobbing it around Folsom Field, Julian Lewis made sure he watched Shedeur Sanders like a hawk, and for that, he even joined them for pre-Alamo Bowl practices. Not only did he watch Shedeur closely, but he also saw how they prepared. And that’s what turned things around for him. As he talks about it during his first spring game as a Buff in a press conference.

“It helped a lot getting to see Shedeur, like going to his last game. You know, seeing the preparation that it takes to be successful on the field. That game didn’t go how we wanted to, but just getting to see him move around and get ready for his final college as a spectator like this,” said Julian Lewis. But even with a smooth transition, the spring game updates aren’t that great. The passing game struggled in a 45-minute scrimmage, and both QBs had more downs than ups. Shocking, right?

In his first college scrimmage, Julian “JuJu” Lewis showed nerves, relying heavily on short passes and missing deeper throws. Several overthrows and offensive miscues highlighted a freshman still finding his footing. Kaidon Salter didn’t dominate either, struggling with the option offense, particularly with running back Christian Sarem; their timing was off.

However, Salter unleashed the day’s best throws when given time, showcasing his potential. The starting quarterback competition remains undecided. Neither quarterback revealed their full arsenal, leaving the race open heading into summer. So, for now, things are pretty unclear. But their defense shone the most. Star DE Arden Walker ensured quarterback Lewis was untouched on the opening drive of the scrimmage.

Sure, there are some areas the nation’s 56th recruit and No. 7 quarterback from Georgia needs to make improvements in, but for now, things look pretty decent post-Shedeur and Travis Hunter era. Especially after Deion Sanders made things pretty clear on Julian Lewis’s redshirting status in 2025. Yes, there are reports talking about him getting redshirted in 2025, but that’s not going to be the case.

“That, that’s not our plan. That’s not his plan, but if it happens, it happens,” Deion Sanders said. “If he sustains an injury that puts him in that situation? But you never know. I mean, the guy could be a two, or he could be a one. I don’t think we’re going to put him in a box like that. We’re not doing that.” With JuJu’s situation resolved, the quarterback competition in Boulder is likely to intensify.

Julian Lewis’ bold revelation on Kaidon Salter

Well, the quarterback battle is in full swing this offseason. And both Julian Lewis and Kaidon Salter are making sure this spring season does wonders for at least one of them. But for now, both are making a strong impact. “They’re getting better and better,” Coach Prime said. “They’re starting to understand the system. It’s tougher on [offensive coordinator] Pat [Shurmur] and our offensive coaches because you have two different types of quarterbacks.”

Deion Sanders further adds up to it, saying, “You’re pretty much calling in two different offenses. When this guy’s in, you call it this way. When this guy’s in, you called it that way.” Looks like it’s going to be a tough call for them. It’s not your average quarterback duel, where you expect flaring tempers and potential conflicts on the sidelines. Forget the drama; here they are, straight up grinding with a sense of brotherhood.

And Julian Lewis even shares a good bond with Kaidon Salter. As Buffs reporter Scott Procter hits X describing their camaraderie, Julian talks about it and says, “Julian Lewis calls Kaidon Salter ‘big bro.’ ‘He’s been there and done that.’” Well, it looks like the competition fans wanna see something that doesn’t exist at all. Since the start of the spring practice, Lewis has expressed his desire to learn the offense more and has enjoyed his time with Kaidon and other QBs.

“Honestly, just to grow and get stronger, learn the offense. Of course, everybody thinks it is a quarterback battle and stuff like that, but we have such great quarterbacks in the room and such great personalities,” said JuJu. And that’s exactly what he is doing.

Look, last year Kaidon Salter played with Liberty, finishing the season with 1,886 passing yards and 15 TDs, but he also threw 16 interceptions. And after Shedeur Sanders, the team needs a QB who can be a leader and take them through the playoffs.

That’s the reason Deion Sanders made it pretty clear that “I don’t even know who’s going to be that guy right now anyway. So I don’t have the propensity to do it because I don’t know. They got to perform with consistency.” So, for now, the battle for the starting position is still on, and there’s no way the team is going to settle for less.