Deion Sanders expected to flip elite 5-star QB from USC to replace Shedeur Sanders
While there has been speculation as to whether Deion Sanders could leave Colorado after producing a much better 2024 season than his debut campaign, there are signs Coach Prime will be back in Boulder after Shedeur and Shilo Sanders graduate. Sanders has stated he doesn't have interest in coaching in the NFL, and it's possible […]
While there has been speculation as to whether Deion Sanders could leave Colorado after producing a much better 2024 season than his debut campaign, there are signs Coach Prime will be back in Boulder after Shedeur and Shilo Sanders graduate. Sanders has stated he doesn't have interest in coaching in the NFL, and it's possible he'll have the chance to call that bluff.
But what is clear right now is that Sanders is on the verge of successfully flipping 5-star quarterback Julian Lewis from USC. Auburn and Indiana have also chased the Georgia native, but On3's Steve Wiltfong issued a crystal ball prediction that Lewis is favoring Colorado.
Colorado has continued to keep Lewis close to the program and has very publicly worked to sway him. Sheduer Sanders has had Lewis on his podcast and has named him his successor.
Lewis, ranked as the second-best quarterback in the 2025 class according to the 247Sports composite, committed to the USC Trojans in August 2023.
The electric passer told Wiltfong at the time that the Trojans were still leading the pack, but the Buffaloes were "popping right now," and he "loves Boulder." With the momentum clearly trending toward a flip, those words, and USC's struggles, were prophetic.
According to the latest video that was linked above, Lewis' latest visit against Cincinnati brought the last bit of experience he needed to make the move. This was at least Lewis's fourth time on campus, and USC has worked on other quarterbacks within the class for some time.
The team's success has certainly shown this isn't just a sideshow life for athletes. Colorado is competing for a Big 12 title and a spot in the College Football Playoff. The Buffaloes are doing well in their late-season recruiting efforts, especially making flip pushes, and that's largely because there's now more of a proof of concept that the program can build and win.
