JuJu Lewis breaks records, earns Manning Star and Big 12 Freshman of the Week

Colorado quarterback Julian Lewis didn’t need a full game to get into the record books.

The redshirt freshman completed 17 of 23 passes for 366 yards and four touchdowns — all before the fourth quarter — in the Buffaloes’ 52-21 demolition of Weber State on Saturday, earning Manning Award Star of the Week and Big 12 Freshman of the Week honors announced Monday.

Lewis set or tied at least 10 school records in the blowout, headlined by 212 first-quarter passing yards that broke Joel Klatt’s 21-year-old mark of 211, set against Texas A&M in 2005. He also added a rushing touchdown for five scores responsible for and didn’t throw an interception.

Colorado needed all of 27 seconds of game clock to score touchdowns on its first two possessions, covering 129 yards in three plays. Lewis opened the afternoon with a 66-yard strike to DeAndre Moore Jr. on the Buffaloes’ first snap and later connected with Joseph Williams on a 63-yard score.

“Yes, it was, and we accomplished that goal,” coach Deion Sanders said when asked whether the staff made a concerted effort to get Lewis going early. “Statistically, what was it? 17 of 23, 366, four touchdowns and no picks. I’m happy. I’m happy.”

“That’s cool — having a couple records,” Lewis said. “But we’re just trying to win the game. Nobody cares about that 300 yards and whatever. That’s just onto the next.”

He is the third Colorado freshman to earn Big 12 Freshman of the Week since the program rejoined the conference. Shedeur Sanders was the last Buffalo named a Manning Award Star of the Week, collecting the honor three times during the 2024 season.

Through two games, Lewis has completed 31 of 50 passes for 490 yards and five touchdowns without an interception. He has yet to throw a pick in seven career games.

Colorado (2-0) travels to Northwestern on Saturday. Kickoff is set for 5:30 p.m. MT on FOX.

Related

Buffs land FOX, ESPN slots for next two games as spotlight growsThe ‘Prime Effect’ isn’t dead: CU opener draws 3.7 millionDeion Sanders vows big Buffs issue fixed after volatile Week 1Coach Prime and the CU Buffs receive votes in the AP Top 25 pollDoes the Colorado Buffaloes coaching staff trust Julian Lewis?Even after a season-opening win, not everyone is buying into the Buffs