Julian Lewis ranked as a top-50 Power Four quarterback entering 2026

Colorado Buffaloes quarterback Julian Lewis quieted some noise during last weekend's spring game with a fairly conservative performance that included one highlight touchdown pass to new target Danny Scudero.

Lewis is battling Utah transfer Isaac Wilson for the starting job , but remains the favorite to open up the 2026 season as Colorado's starter. Earlier this spring, ESPN ranked Lewis as the No. 62 Power Four starting quarterback, just six from the bottom among the 68 teams.

CBS Sports gives Lewis a slightly more favorable ranking, placing him in the top-15 at No. 49, good for No. 11 in the Big 12 Conference. Here's what Brad Crawford had to say about the Buffaloes' redshirt freshman signal caller.

Speaking of unlocking star potential, that is Brennan Marion's role this spring at Colorado as he works with Lewis. The former sought-after recruit was able to redshirt last season after playing in four games, finishing with 589 yards passing and four touchdowns (including three starts in November). Deion Sanders is trying to build around his quarterback after landing a top-25 transfer class once again.

As Crawford notes, everything for Colorado's 2026 hopes, especially offensively, rests on how Lewis and new playcaller Brennan Marion come together. It is a complicated offense to master, and Lewis' ability to grasp the Go-Go will determine how good the Buffs can be.

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This article originally appeared on Buffaloes Wire: Julian Lewis Power 4 quarterback ranking per CBS Sports