Colorado Starting QB Julian Lewis Makes Stunning Admission At Big 12 Media Day
Colorado quarterback Julian Lewis may have just provided the clearest explanation yet for why the Buffaloes struggled through a disappointing 3-9 campaign in 2025.
Speaking during Big 12 Media Days, the rising sophomore made a surprising admission about his first season in Boulder. According to Lewis, Colorado’s offensive approach last year lacked one of the most important elements of modern college football: studying opposing defenses in depth.
His candid comments quickly grabbed attention and could shed light on some of the challenges the Buffaloes faced throughout the season.
Julian Lewis Shares Stunning Assessment of 2025 Season
When asked by ESPNU what the biggest difference is between last year and this season, Lewis gave an answer that few expected.
“My play, I’m actually looking at the defenses now,” Lewis said. “Last year, we wasn’t really looking at defenses much, just kind of high school free-balling, just out there playing football. But it’s a lot bigger than that now, so it should be fun.”
The quote immediately raised eyebrows because film study is a fundamental part of college football preparation. Quarterbacks at the Power Four level are typically expected to spend countless hours reviewing defensive tendencies, coverages, blitz packages, and game plans before taking the field.
Lewis’ remarks suggest that his approach as a freshman was far less structured than what he is experiencing heading into the 2026 season.
Why Film Study Matters for College Quarterbacks
The jump from high school football to the college game is often defined by preparation as much as talent. While athletic ability can help young players compete, understanding defensive schemes is what often separates good quarterbacks from great ones.
By studying film, quarterbacks learn how opponents disguise coverages, identify weaknesses in defensive alignments, and make quicker decisions after the snap. Without that preparation, even highly recruited prospects can struggle against experienced college defenses.
Lewis acknowledged that reality during his media appearance, indicating that he now recognizes the importance of detailed preparation.
For Colorado fans, that admission could be encouraging. It shows a young quarterback who is taking ownership of his development and embracing the responsibilities that come with being the team’s leader.
Lewis Set to Lead Colorado Into a New Era
After using a redshirt season in 2025, Lewis enters the upcoming campaign as Colorado’s expected starting quarterback.
Despite limited action last season, he showed flashes of promise. The former five-star recruit appeared in four games and made two starts, throwing for 589 yards, four touchdowns, and zero interceptions. He completed 55.3 percent of his passes while gaining valuable experience against college competition.
Those numbers may not tell the full story, but they suggest Lewis possesses the talent needed to become the centerpiece of Colorado’s offense.
Now, with a better understanding of defensive concepts and a more comprehensive preparation routine, expectations are rising for the young signal-caller.
Can Colorado Bounce Back in 2026?
The Buffaloes are looking to move past a difficult 2025 season and reestablish themselves as contenders in the Big 12. Much of that effort will depend on Lewis’ growth behind center.
His latest comments indicate that he is approaching the game differently and taking a more professional mindset into his second year with the program. If that translates to improved decision-making and consistency on the field, Colorado could see significant progress offensively.
The Buffaloes will get their first opportunity to showcase those improvements when they open the 2026 season against Georgia Tech on September 3.
For now, Lewis’ surprising revelation about last year’s preparation may be the most telling insight yet into what went wrong during Colorado’s 3-9 campaign—and why the program believes better days could be ahead.
