CU’s quarterback competition on full display in spring game
- Peighton Lemp
- 5 minutes ago
- 3 min read
Dressed in gold, the Colorado Buffaloes’ quarterbacks were on full display for Buff fans at the Spring Game on Saturday.
Competing on opposite sides, freshman Julian Lewis competed for Team Gold, and sophomore transfer Issac Wilson manned Team Black. Both showed their skill for head coach Deion Sanders and company, and standards were set as high as ever for Colorado football.
“Everyone gets a check now, I expect you to earn it,” Sanders said postgame.
Julian Lewis
Lewis is entering his second year with the Buffaloes. Last season, he played in four games and started two. He completed 52-of-94 passes for 589 yards, had four touchdowns, zero interceptions and took 10 sacks.
Today, he showed his adaptability by using his legs several times, including a 17-yard run down the sideline to put Team Gold in the red zone.
He displayed growth from last season, seeming much more comfortable in the pocket. Lewis had some big pass plays, including a 13-yard touchdown to senior wide receiver Danny Scudero during the first drive of the game. It’s a relationship that the two have fostered during this offseason.
“JuJu is great,” Scudero said. “It’s not there yet, but that excites me because we are doing good now. I am excited to see how good this connection can get.”
Lewis had another 13-yard pass to junior wide receiver Kaleb Mathis through traffic, as well as several well-executed handoffs and lateral passes.
“Having a comfort level with the playbook and the way coach [offensive coordinator Brennan] Marion communicates,” Sanders said on what set Lewis apart.
Lewis did overthrow a couple of passes in Saturday’s game but overall showed more maturity and comfortablility on the field compared to last season.
Isaac Wilson
The Utah transfer played in 10 games and had seven starts as a true freshman for the Utes in 2024. He completed 127-of-226 passes for 1,510 yards, had 10 touchdowns, 11 interceptions and took 19 sacks.
This was the first look at Wilson for Sanders and Buffaloes fans. He put on a decent performance but appeared to let his nerves get the best of him at times. Under his leadership, Team Black was not able to score a single touchdown.
His biggest play came from a 30-yard pass to sophomore wide receiver Quentin Gibson to get into the red zone. Wilson also put his run game on display on several occasions, including getting a first down with his legs. However, he lacked the awareness to run to the sideline.
The game ended on a bitter note for Wilson as he threw an interception caught by freshman defensive back Mojo Williams Jr.
“You hope to see the quarterbacks not throw interceptions like we did on the last play,” Sanders said.
While Wilson did give fans some jaw-dropping plays, he was not able to show consistency in the pocket.
Overall, the two quarterbacks are comparable. Both can use their legs, throw bombs downfield and have good vision. What set Lewis apart was his ability to stay composed when plays began to fall apart.
While fall ball is still months away, Lewis’ experience last season and now with the “Go-Go offense” may just secure him the starting quarterback position over Wilson.