Colorado Buffaloes head coach Deion Sanders need not worry much as he arguably got a fitting replacement in Julian Lewis for Shedeur Sanders, who is departing for the 2025 NFL Draft. Sanders overcame his 2023 struggles to put on a spectacle in 2024, leading his program to a 9-3 season and securing bowl eligibility for the first time since 2016.
Coach Prime helped flip Lewis, who had been committed to USC since Aug. 2023, just days before the early signing period. This was a major recruitment win for Colorado as they got their hands on a five-star quarterback in the class of 2025.
Deion Sanders Compares Julian Lewis and Shedeur Sanders
Colorado fans are hoping Lewis continues the momentum left behind by Shedeur Sanders and Co. Both quarterbacks are pass-dominant signal-callers and, more than that, share similar experiences, as Deion said:
“I think smart coaches at this level understand what has worked for them and they try their best to replicate that. I saw a lot of similarities between the way Julian’s life has been structured [and Shedeur’s]. Some of the similarities are unbelievable. That kid right there is everything that we desire in a quarterback. He’s smart; he can make every throw but most of all, he’s a winner.”
Coach Prime on Julian Lewis and the similarities between him and Shedeur.
"I think smart coaches at this level understand what has worked for them and they try their best to replicate that. I saw a lot of similarities between the way Julian's life has been structured [and…
— Jake Schwanitz (@JakeDNVR) December 17, 2024
Lewis is rated five-star and is the No. 2 recruit in the 2025 ESPN 300. He carries major upside, and for Deion, he seems like a perfect disciple to take over for Shedeur in 2025 and beyond.
Coach Prime Not Leaving for NFL Despite Buzzing Rumors
With the likes of Shedeur and Heisman winner Travis Hunter departing for the NFL, many believe Sanders will follow suit and potentially join the team as head coach who drafts Shedeur. While the Raiders and Giants’ needs at quarterback will naturally link them to Shedeur, the Cowboys could also be in the hunt if it means getting Deion to join the team as head coach.
These rumors on the outside have no merit, with Sanders clarifying his stance on the future numerous times. The latest of which came during an appearance on “The Pacman Jones Show.”
“I love Boulder, Colorado,” Sanders said. “I have every intention, every plan in the world, to be coaching for the Colorado Buffs from here on. I want to finish here. I want to put the flag. I want my name on the mountains out there. I want to put my flag down in Colorado.”
This should limit the Deion-to-NFL rumors, as he aims to glorify the program in the near future.