CU's Lewis to Redshirt, Sits Out Finale vs. Kansas State

Boulder, Colorado - University of Colorado head coach Deion Sanders announced Tuesday that freshman quarterback Julian Lewis will sit out the Buffaloes' season finale against Kansas State on Saturday, opting to preserve his redshirt eligibility for an extra year of college football.

The decision comes after Lewis appeared in four games this season, the maximum allowed under NCAA rules to maintain redshirt status. A fifth appearance against the Wildcats in Manhattan, Kansas, would have exhausted that option. Sanders, known as Coach Prime, emphasized that the choice prioritizes Lewis's long-term development. "I made the decision that Juju is going to redshirt," Sanders said during a press conference. "That is my decision. I want what's best for the kid, his family, and this wonderful university. I think for the program, it's best for everyone. But mainly, it's great for him. I'm not going to say he was happy."

Lewis, an 18-year-old five-star recruit from the 2025 class, emerged as a key figure in Colorado's offense late in the season. He started the Buffaloes' final two games, completing 41 of 73 passes for 460 yards, three touchdowns, and no interceptions. Overall, he finished 52...