After all the dreams and hopes, Julian Lewis and Colorado might not end up together. Deion Sanders and his team have invested their blood, sweat, and tears in securing Lewis during his two unofficial visits, but it seems like they still want to keep their options open. Of course, they are not leaving any stone unturned ahead of Lewis’ June 21-23 official visit to CU. However, it might not end up as expected because of the interest Deion Sanders has shown in another QB, Jaden O’Neal, who is the new hot topic in this saga.

O’Neal, QB from the class of 2026, spent some time at the Boulder campus in the first week of June. The 6-foot-3, 200-pounder holds a coveted position among the top schools. Deion Sanders and Co. are also aiming to secure the junior talent amid their QB hunt. Now, this intention of Colorado might have pushed the wrong buttons on their top QB prospect Julian Lewis.

It was not very long ago that JuJu was spotted working out with a Buffs towel in his high school. The tides, however, seemed to have turned as JuJu took to his X account to celebrate USC, his original commitment. “Where Legends are made and Stars are born @uscfb,”  Fans took this message as a signal to Deion Sanders and Co. about Lewis’ commitment to USC and that he might not flip to Colorado after all, and that his loyalties lie with Lincon Riley.

If that happens, CU will strand itself, at least for a year, assuming it gets its hands on O’Neal. Julian Lewis was their top pick as Shedeur Sanders’ replacement, who would be moving to the NFL in 2025. Precisely why Colorado would need a reliable starting QB for the season. Since O’Neal would come in as a part of the class of 2026, CU would have no QB to fall back on in the 2025 year.

Now, Deion Sanders, being the recruiting mastermind, would surely find a way out of the situation they are in. However, looking at O’Neal’s words, the QB seems pretty sold on joining Coach Prime and Co.

Jaden O’Neal on Deion Sanders and Co.

Jaden O’Neal’s visit to CU turned out to be good, as it appears from his words. “Colorado is going amazing,” O’Neal said. Adding insights about his experience, he also seemed impressed with Prime’s recruiting tactics, “One big takeaway is Coach Deion is an old-school coach who takes much pride in character and integrity with the players he recruits.”

“I’m loving the coaching staff and how experienced they are having NFL experience truly draws my eye to this school,” he said, highlighting that it is the experience that draws him to the program.  While Colorado has managed to secure a soft spot in O’Neal’s heart, it is not the only school going after him. Miami, Oklahoma, Auburn, Washington, and FSU are top favorite landing spots for him as well.

Considered to be the nation’s No. 6 quarterback by On3, O’Neal has impressed the schools with his 2,475 yards and 27 touchdowns. However, are these stats enough to compete with JuJu’s? The recruitment of Deion Sanders would be the answer to it.