What's next for Julian Lewis and the passing game after Georgia Tech?

Quarterback Julian Lewis had his ups and downs versus Georgia Tech. (Photo by Aspen Doust/Sko Buffs Sports)

Colorado Buffaloes quarterback Julian "JuJu" Lewis started his third career game and first of the 2026 season in the Buffs' 14-13 miracle win over Georgia Tech in Atlanta.

During pregame, Coach Prime was asked what he wanted to see from his young quarterback.

"I just need him to be Magic Johnson tonight. Just distribute," said Sanders.

With new offensive coordinator Brennan Marion running the show, Buff fans knew they'd see a different look to Colorado football this fall. That was obvious from the opening kick, when Colorado came out with back-to-back RPOs designed to get receivers in space, a staple of Marion's "Go-Go" system.

From there, Lewis had some rough patches settling in. He finished the first half completing just six of his attempts for 41 yards, with several off-target throws, clear miscues and a lack of comfort in the pocket.

But, down 13-7 with 1:40 left, everything changed. 

Lewis got the ball at his own 25 and led a two-minute drill that looked nothing like the offense from the first three quarters.  He hit DeKalon Taylor for 17 yards and Joseph Williams for 16 before finding Charlie Williams for the game-winning 20-yard touchdown on a wheel route with under a minute to go. So what dictates whether that closing stretch is the real Lewis or the exception?

Here are a few things to look out for:

Pass protection is starting over from scratch

Colorado allowed 38 sacks last season, one of the worst marks in the country, with All-Big 12 left tackle Jordan Seaton up front for most of the year. Seaton left for LSU in the transfer portal, and the Buffs are rolling out an entirely new starting line. 

Georgia Tech didn't bring much pressure, so this group still hasn't really been tested. How fast they come together will decide how much time Lewis actually gets in Marion's scheme.

The receiver room is brand new too

DeAndre Moore had four receptions for 37 yards against Georgia Tech. (Photo by Aspen Doust/Sko Buffs Sports)

Biletnikoff finalist Danny Scudero and Texas transfer DeAndre Moore Jr. are both first-year Buffs still building that timing with Lewis, and both had a few drops on the night. It’s worth noting the two biggest completions on the winning drive went to Taylor and Williams, not the big-name transfers, though Moore did pick up some yards in the short passing game. Chemistry with the top options is still a work in progress.

Lewis' pocket comfort is still the swing factor

The first-half version of Lewis looked like a guy still feeling out a new system and a new set of weapons. The fourth-quarter version looked like the five-star talent Colorado went and got. Which one shows up more often as Big 12 defenses start bringing real pressure is the biggest open question for this offense.

Keep an eye out for how these factors come together as the Colorado offense faces Weber State, a game in which there could be plenty of points put up on the scoreboard.