Is Deion Sanders’ relentless pursuit of 5-star QB Julian Lewis paying off? USC may still have his commitment, but the season is giving the No. 7 QB of the 2025 class more reason to contemplate as it progresses. As far as his interest is concerned, experts feel that Colorado has an edge after their latest win against Cincinnati. 

Steve Wiltfong joined Josh Newberg in a YouTube video by On3 Recruits on October 30 to drop his views on the Julian Lewis race. Despite being a USC commit, Wiltfong raised expectations for the Buffs fans, saying, “What we do know is that he had a fantastic experience at Colorado this weekend.” This last visit marks the fourth time Lewis has been to Boulder, which is a clear indication of his interest.

Shedeur Sanders and the Buffs gave Julian Lewis a memorable game when they beat Cincinnati in a grand 34-24 showdown. Wiltfong said, “I remember his dad telling me they got playmakers. This is an offense that’s going to be explosive, but they wanted to see it in live, real action, and they’ve gotten just that.” The victory propelled bowl eligibility as Colorado now improves to 6-2, ranking No. 23 on the AP Poll. This major improvement under Deion Sanders’ second year in Boulder isn’t the only reason why Lewis could land at Colorado. 

As Wiltfong further pointed out, Julian Lewis would profit in Colorado over USC and Indiana in one aspect, which is to start immediately. Shedeur will have moved to the NFL in 2025, and the Buffs haven’t signed any explosive QBs last year. Still, Wiltfong spoke of another luring aspect, saying, “Colorado might be his best opportunity among the three programs. Colorado pointing towards the lens that’s on their program and the opportunity that brings you in the NIL arena.” And with Deion Sanders holding the reins of CU football, Lewis wouldn’t have a problem making one of his wishes come true. 

Can Colorado fulfill Julian Lewis’ NIL dream?

The better you are, the better deals you can wish for! Julian Lewis has big dreams in the NIL scene and wishes to be part of what his potential successor Shedeur is already part of. Back in September, when he was asked what his “dream” NIL deals would be, he picked Nike. Appearing with the Buffs QB on the 2Legendary with Shedeur Sanders podcast, he said, “I mean everybody wants that Jordan Nike, all that stuff. That’s smooth. I think that’s every kid’s dream.”

Even before winning his commitment, the NIL opportunity for Julian Lewis in Boulder is optimistic. Back in June, around his official visit weekend, Boulder’s 100-year-old burger chain Sink Burger honored him by launching Juju’s Precision Pass Burger! But the remaining four games will also play a huge factor in his decision. After all, Colorado is competing with 8-0 Indiana for his commitment.