The Quarterback Change Colorado Fans Have Been Waiting For is Here

Colorado’s quarterback situation has been a revolving door all season, and it looks like another change might be on the way. According to Pete Nakos of On3, freshman Julian Lewis is expected to make his first career start this weekend when the Buffaloes travel to face West Virginia in Morgantown. Nothing has been officially announced by the program, but signs are pointing toward Lewis getting the nod.

If this holds, Lewis will become the latest signal-caller to take a swing under Deion Sanders in a year that’s been filled with shuffling and second-guessing at the position. The Buffs have already run out multiple quarterbacks this season, trying to find any kind of rhythm offensively. Kaidon Salter, the Liberty transfer, has seen time. Ryan Staub, a holdover from last year, has had his shot. But now it might be time to throw the freshman into the fire.

Lewis is no ordinary freshman, though. He was a five-star recruit out of Carrollton, Georgia, and a major get for Coach Prime in the 2025 class. He reclassified to join early and has already seen a couple of game reps this fall. Listed at 6-foot-1, 190 pounds, he’s got the tools and the pedigree, but this would be his first real shot to take the keys and see what he can do with the offense for a full game.

For Colorado, this feels like a move toward the future, even if it’s happening out of necessity. The Buffs have looked disjointed offensively, and with the season getting away from them, giving Lewis a shot might be as much about development as it is about trying to win now. And while Morgantown isn’t exactly the easiest place to break in a new QB, there’s no better time to see what the kid’s made of.

From a Big 12 perspective, this is worth watching. Colorado is trying to build something sustainable in a league that doesn’t wait around. If Lewis shows flashes, it changes the conversation about the Buffs heading into 2026. If he struggles, it just adds to the growing list of problems that Coach Prime has to sort out. Either way, all eyes will be on Julian Lewis this Saturday when he takes the field in one of the toughest environments in the conference.