BIG 12 Insider Hints Julian Lewis’ Unthinkable Recruitment Demands While He Takes Stance on Coach Prime’s Latest Move

In the ever-evolving modern landscape of CFB, the battle for top talent has never been more intense. Programs are no longer just selling championship aspirations or player development—they’re negotiating deals that resemble free agency in the pros. Because ever wondered why the former USC commit 5-star QB, Julian Lewis flipped to the Colorado Buffaloes? Surely, HC Deion Sanders must be offering more than his immense aura, something different.

As per a Big 12 insider, the recruits have been asking for more amenities than ever. The question is whether Lewis’ name was on the list. Still, we can’t let this overshadow the Rams legend’s hire.

The whispers around this recruitment have been fascinating, with a Big 12 NIL insider shedding light on the rising demands of top-tier recruits. “Everybody wants a car. We dealt with a lot of such requests. People are asking to be in new apartments, a new house, or a condo. These big asks have grown,” the insider revealed.

The landscape has changed dramatically, and Deion Sanders—known for being a relentless recruiter—found himself in a delicate balancing act. He boldly pushed for Julian Lewis after Shedeur Sanders’ departure, fully aware that landing a quarterback of this caliber was paramount for Colorado’s 2025 season. However, his tactics didn’t come without controversy. Sanders committed an NCAA violation when he openly discussed his recruiting process, mentioning this player before he had even decommitted from USC.

Now that the deal is done and Lewis is in Boulder, the Buffaloes’ next move has only added fuel to the fire. In a stunning hire, Colorado brought in former St. Louis Rams (now LA Rams) and Indianapolis Colts legend Marshall Faulk to serve as their new running backs coach. Faulk, a Hall of Famer, is yet another gold-jacket addition to Coach Prime’s staff, joining defensive line coach Warren Sapp. Moreover, the Buffs’ newest #10 quarterback even endorsed the hire on his Instagram post.

Deion Sanders’ approach to building his staff has been unconventional. But it’s exactly what makes him such a polarizing figure in college football. Adding the former MVP RB further cements Colorado as a destination where elite talent can develop under the watchful eye of legends. However, with the upside comes scrutiny.

Faulk, Sanders, and Sapp all shared time as analysts at NFL Network, which ended in 2017, after Faulk was named in a harassment case. The running backs coach position was open after Gary Harrell’s departure.

As for the new QB1, there’s no doubt he’s stepping into an environment tailor-made for stardom. He’s already the most highly ranked NIL athlete coming out of high school, meaning financial incentives weren’t the sole driving force behind his decision. The anonymous insider revealed no name. However, it could be speculated that Julian Lewis was this year’s biggest Big 12 recruit.

Julian Lewis doesn’t need to be greedy

JuJu Lewis doesn’t need to be greedy for the NIL money. The guy is already raking it in, and he just came out of high school. Sitting comfortably in the top 100 of NIL rankings, the Buffs star Lewis is proving that his brand is just as powerful off the field as it is on it.

He’s already secured several high-profile deals, including a six-figure agreement with Leaf Trading Cards. That’s right—while most high schoolers are just trying to land a prom date, Lewis is signing major contracts. And he didn’t stop there. He also landed a partnership with men’s jewelry brand Jaxxon and, in February 2024, inked a deal with Alo Yoga.

With an On3 NIL Valuation of a staggering $615,000, Lewis isn’t just leading the pack in high school football. Yes, he’s No. 1. Plus, when you zoom out to include high school and college athletes, he still ranks an impressive No. 76 overall. His sky-high valuation isn’t just about football; it’s about his social media power, which brands see as pure gold.