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Deion Sanders slams reporter over Julian Lewis' redshirt status in 2025

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Jeff Hauser | Last updated Apr 21, 2025 12:43 PM ET

Colorado Buffaloes quarterback Julian Lewis is in a battle for the starting spot in Boulder. While the former five-star looked decent in Saturday's Black and Gold spring game, some have questioned if he'll redshirt in the 2025 season.

That certainly didn't sit well with Deion Sanders when he was asked about future plans for "JuJu". Reporter Nick Evans stepped out on the ledge during his press conference on Thursday and quickly got put back into his place. Sanders didn’t know where the rumor came from, but wasn't going to deal with it.

“Who you, who you, who did you hear say that? Who? Who? Who?” Sanders asked. “Who is Nick Evans? Who?”

When Evans revealed the source, Sanders had heard enough and respectfully answered the question by saying Lewis is currently battling alongside Liberty transfer Kaidon Salter. “Self-explanatory,” Sanders said. “Nobody said that, man. Nobody said that."

Colorado's Deion Sanders press conference before Spring Game (4/17/2024) (24:03)

Sanders went on to say, “That’s not our plan. That’s not his plan. But if it happens, it happens. 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."

Lewis came to Boulder as one of the top prospects in the 2025 recruiting class. The Peachtree State passer from Carrollton, Georgia Lewis threw 11,010 yards and 144 touchdowns over three years. He was named a 2024 MaxPreps First-Team All-American after being reclassified up a year to the 2025 recruiting class.

Thus far, one thing can be said of Lewis that he has good taste, like his quarterback predecessor, Shedeur Sanders, who also drives a six-figure car and has the flashy neck piece to match. Lewis wants opponents to know even though 'Grown' has moved on, his competitive spirit lives on in Boulder. With Sanders soon moving on to the NFL, Colorado is considering all options to replace his production at quarterback.

Coach Prime has a parting shot for Evans, telling him he better come correct with his questions from here on out. “You got to know, young fella. When you come here with something, I’m going to call you out on it now so be prepared next time,” Sanders said.

Colorado completed the Black and Gold spring game which included a dual retirement ceremony for Travis Hunter and Shedeur Sanders. The 2025 NFL Draft starts on Thursday night at 8 p.m. ET on NFL Network.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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