Colorado quarterback debuts new business venture as he focuses on stretch run

Former five-star true freshman Colorado quarterback Julian Lewis earned his first start last week versus West Virginia. The Mountaineers won that game 29-22. In that game Lewis was 22 of 35 for 299 yards and two touchdowns. A significant improvement over the Colorado quarterback play in recent weeks.

On Wednesday via Instagram, Lewis unveiled a clothing line as well as the corresponding jujulewis10.com website where fans can purchase those clothing items. Items on the website range from t-shirts, hats, hooded sweatshirts, and athletic shorts. All imaged with Lewis’ “JL” logo or associated imagery identifying it as specifically Lewis specific.

Lewis is not new to NIL deals. In addition to this clothing line, Lewis had previously signed deals with Starbucks, Gym Weed, and Taco Bell. Per On3, Julian Lewis already had an NIL valuation exceeding $1 million. Currently, Lewis the 87^th highest valuation in collegiate athletics, but is 54^th among college football players according to Sports Illustrated.

The Colorado Buffaloes are at an important juncture in their underwhelming season. Following a 9-4 record in 2024, this season has been anything but promising. After losing Travis Hunter, Shedeur Sanders, Jimmy Horn Jr, LaJohntay Wester and Shilo Sanders, the team has regressed significantly.

Early in the season there was still optimism after losing to Georgia Tech and BYU by a touchdown or less. However, the team has only enjoyed one win in the last six weeks. A seven-point win over No. 22 Iowa State. Even that win is losing its shine as Iowa State has dropped games to BYU and Arizona State since then.

Lewis provides optimism at the end of a long season

The remaining optimism among Buffs fans seems to reside almost exclusively with Lewis. As Colorado finishes the stretch run of the season, the commitment to running game has been only slightly improved, with five backs over 100 yards on the season, but none with a total north of 400.

Lewis only has 56 passing attempts on the season, but in short order has established himself as the best option. Lewis has better yards per completion than Salter, better completion percentage than Staub, and is the only quarterback on the roster with a 3:1 touchdowns to interception ratio or better. Lewis also has a better rating than every other quarterback on the roster after one start.

Colorado has two games remaining on the schedule and are currently on their second bye week. While Colorado is mathematically eliminated from bowl contention, there is something to play for. Athletic Director Rick George, who hired Deion Sanders, has announced he is leaving the AD’s office to take on an advisory role with the program.

In addition, this season has been very difficult for Coach Sanders. Battling multiple health concerns, the first year coaching without his sons, and an inability to reverse the losing, a positive push in the last couple games would be welcomed.

Colorado needs to try to win out. While that might seem like a difficult task it should not be impossible. Arizona State is facing significant injury issues and Kansas State only has one more win that Colorado. If the Buffaloes can end the season on a high note, there will be future optimism behind Lewis and it might even quiet the noise around Coach Sanders’ long-term future with the program.

Colorado welcomes Arizona State to Folsom Field next Saturday. The kickoff time and broadcast partner have not been released yet.

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