It won’t be Julian Lewis’ debut. Or even his first start.
Still, when Lewis leads Colorado’s offense onto the field for the 2026 opener at Georgia Tech, it in many ways will represent a fresh start for the Buffaloes. It’s also an opportunity certain to test the young quarterback’s mettle.
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After playing four games last year in relief of an ineffective Kaidon Salter, the eyes of all of Buff Nation will be tuned to Lewis when he leads the Buffs against the Yellow Jackets on Thursday night (6 p.m. MT, ESPN).
It’s CU’s debut of the new Go-Go offense designed by first-year offensive coordinator Brennan Marion, an attack based on a strong run game that may not play to Lewis’ strengths. He’ll make his first opening night start about an hour from his hometown of Carrollton, Georgia. It will be prime time on ESPN.
Beyond his mastery of the new offense, Lewis will need the composure of a veteran for the Buffs to make an early statement. Those are heavy expectations for an 18-year-old player who would still only be starting his true freshman season this year if he hadn’t reclassified to join CU a year early.
“Nobody ever rose to low expectations. So I feel like for Ju, he has high expectations of himself,” Marion said. “Obviously he knows the type of player he can be, the caliber of player that he’s been in the past from the high school level. And then obviously going back home. I know he wants this game.”
After an early appearance last year against Delaware, Lewis was thrown into the fray when Salter faltered, keeping his appearances to four in order to retain the year of eligibility. There were positive signs, like the zero interceptions in 94 attempts. But Lewis’ 11.3 yards per completion and 6.3 per attempt didn’t synch with the big-armed reputation that made him a four-star prospect.
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In the Go-Go offense, Lewis will be tasked with making reads and taking off on designed runs — decisions that weren’t among his responsibilities as a rookie. How Lewis masters those nuances might be the key to CU’s entire season.
“The thing about Ju is, the thing we’ve been proud about the most, is he’s learned how to practice at a high level and not just play at a high level,” Marion said. “You saw the games that he played in last year, he played good enough for them to win the game. He didn’t lose the game for the team. He was the quarterback who was moving the ball down the field, completing passes, and not putting the ball in jeopardy. So he understands how to win a football game. He hasn’t done that yet.
“Obviously that will be the challenge that presents itself this season for him. But he’s done all the little things right. Got out of his comfort zone. Everything that we’ve asked him to do, he’s done with a smile on his face and tried to grow as a young quarterback.”
Teammates have consistently raved about Lewis’ growth throughout the preseason, but leading drills on the practice field is a much different challenge than leading the team down the field late in the fourth quarter in a hostile environment. The maturity and increased leadership Lewis has displayed this preseason will have to rise to the occasion back home in Georgia.
“I’d probably say his biggest thing is he’s a lot more vocal now,” CU receiver Joseph Williams said. “Every time we have to do push-ups for punishment, he’s going to lead us. I feel like he’s grown a lot more vocal. He’s taken a lot of big steps forward.”
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