Julian Lewis commits to Colorado, Deion Sanders after bolting USC

Deion Sanders has the quarterback of the future — assuming he stays in Colorado.

The program landed a commitment from top 2025 quarterback prospect Julian “JuJu” Lewis on Thursday, four days after he was decommitted from USC.

“I’m excited for the opportunity to come to work and compete,” Lewis told ESPN. “Colorado didn’t recruit me until I reclassified, so it was really perfect timing. This is just the beginning. I trust Coach Prime and (offensive coordinator Pat) Shurmur to help me become the player I want to be.”

Lewis, the No. 2 overall pick in ESPN’s rankings behind fellow quarterback and LSU commit Bryce Underwood, is expected to make it official with the Buffaloes when the early signing period opens Dec. 4, per ESPN.

He was originally in the class of 2026 but reclassified last year.

The native of Carrollton, Ga. is one of the best ever for Colorado and gives Sanders a legacy after his son, Shedeur, leaves for the pros as he is projected to be one of the top picks in the 2025 NFL Draft.

The big question is whether Deion will stick around. He has been linked with a move to the NFL along with his son, but has said he is enjoying life in Boulder.

Sanders’ former teammate, Michael Irvin, said this week on Colin Cowherd’s show that Deion would “100 percent” go to the Cowboys if they drafted Shedeur; Dallas’ current coach, Mike McCarthy, is not under contract beyond this season and appears unlikely to be brought back with the team at 3-7.

“And I can tell you, good sources have told me that. Great sources have told me that! That’s all I can say about it without offending anything else,” Irvin said.

The Cowboys just gave quarterback Dak Prescott a record four-year, $240 million contract in September.