USC Trojans lose QB, commit Julian Lewis to Deion Sanders’ Colorado Buffaloes?

USC Trojans quarterback commitment Julian Lewis visited the Colorado Buffaloes on October 26. This was his fourth visit to Colorado and it was the same day the Buffaloes became bowl eligible. The USC commit had a fantastic experience as Colorado pushed to overturn Lewis’ decision.

Lewis is a four-star quarterback from Carrollton (Ga.). He is one of the top players at USC recruiting prospects for the class of 2025. On3 ranks Lewis as the No. 36 overall prospect and the No. 7 quarterback in the country. Although Lewis has been committed to the USC Trojans since August 2023, there is a growing chance that the quarterback will fall.

Lewis visited Colorado on Oct. 26 when the Buffalos defeated the Cincinnati Bearcats 34-23. The win pushed the Buffaloes to a 6-2 record, marking the first time Colorado has played bowl eligibility since coach Deion Sanders took over. Colorado is using the momentum to help build their recruiting class and Lewis is a top target for the Buffaloes.

“What we do know is that he had a fantastic experience this weekend in Colorado, speaking with the sources who spent time or have knowledge of his recruitment,” On3’s Steve Wiltfong said.

Buffaloes quarterback Shedeur Sanders is a top prospect in the 2025 NFL Draft, which means Colorado is looking for a quarterback to start next season. Getting playing time as a true freshman is something that interests Lewis and could influence his decision. Playing straight away may not be something the USC Trojans can promise Lewis.

“To get around the players on the team, to get around the coaching staff again, to really see this Colorado program develop,” Wiltfong said. “He was there for spring training and the family, I remember his dad saying to me, ‘They have playmakers, this is an offense that’s going to be explosive.’ They wanted to see it live, real action and that’s exactly what they got.”

The Colorado Buffaloes are one of two programs making a strong effort to turn Lewis. The other school making the switch is the Indiana Hoosiers. Lewis will visit Indiana on Nov. 9 when the Hoosiers host the Michigan Wolverines. Both Colorado and Indiana have momentum this season with winning records.

USC coach Lincoln Riley has not given up, but will have to work to keep Lewis. In addition to strong communication, the Trojans must continue to win games and score points on offense. Lewis should be excited about the offense he will end up playing with. The Trojans defeated the Rutgers Scarlet Knights 42-20 in week nine. This was a strong offensive performance and a step in the right direction.

USC will continue to push to retain their future quarterback. Lewis is a player who brings hope and excitement to the program. Lewis has visited the Trojans twice this fall. USC is now 4-4 and looking to get back to a winning record against the Washington Huskies in Week 10.

The status of where Lewis plays in 2025 will be something to keep an eye on. He’s still committed to the USC Trojans, but the Colorado Buffaloes are making a push while the quarterback still has a visit to Indiana ahead of him.