Deion Sanders says Julian Lewis won’t play in season finale to preserve redshirt

Julian Lewis has been one of the few bright spots this season for Deion Sanders and the Colorado Buffaloes. The true freshman quarterback didn’t get real playing time until the Buffs’ blowout loss against Arizona a few weeks ago, and has been making plays that has given fans something to look forward to amidst all the losing and poor play occurring on the field.

However, since Lewis appeared for two meaningless drives early in the season against Delaware as a part of Sanders’ QB carousel experiment, the team was faced with a tough decision this week. In college football, a player is allowed to play in four games in a season without burning their redshirt. Since he played in the Delaware game along with the previous three, the talented freshman has hit a point that is pivotal for his collegiate career — to play and burn the redshirt or sit out and keep an extra year of eligibility.

On Tuesday, Sanders announced that he made the executive decision to sit Lewis for the season finale against Kansas State this week. Kaidon Salter, the fifth-year senior who has not panned out like the Buffs had hoped this season, will get the start while Ryan Staub will be the backup.

“I made the decision that Juju’s gonna redshirt,” Sanders said. “That’s my decision. I want what’s best for the kid, what’s best for his family, what’s best for this wonderful university… I think, for the program, it’s best for everyone. But mainly, it’s great for him.”

In his three appearances in CU’s last three games, one in relief and two starts, Lewis has thrown for 581 yards, four touchdowns and zero interceptions on 50-for-90 passing. He’s thrown some pretty defenses, and has given the offense somewhat of a spark despite not being able to capture a victory.

Julian Lewis to Omarion Miller Touchdown. pic.twitter.com/dLin8BIhcH

— GUCCE🦬🐦‍⬛ (@gucceCU) November 8, 2025

“I’m not gonna say he was happy because he’s a competitor. He wants to compete, he wants to play… It’s not like he came to me, he’s not built like that. That kid wants to play, he wants to compete, and I love him for it, he really does. That’s on me,” Sanders said.

Lewis said after the Buffs’ most recent blowout loss against Arizona State that he’s committed to the program for the future. While there are plenty of other pieces that need to fall in place around him — coaches and players — he can be the foundation for winning in the future.

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