Colorado’s Julian Lewis Lands Tier 4 in The Athletic QB Rankings

2026 Colorado QB Outlook

Colorado enters the 2026 campaign with a clearer plan at quarterback, naming redshirt freshman Julian Lewis as the presumptive starter and Utah transfer Isaac Wilson as his backup. Both bring Power Four experience, positioning the Buffaloes to compete in the Big 12. The team hopes that new offensive coordinator Brennan Marion can unlock Lewis’s potential.

The Athletic’s QB Tier Breakdown

The Athletic recently published a seven‑tier rating of every FBS signal‑caller. Read the full breakdown here. Lewis earned placement in tier four, sitting at No. 49 overall. This level is described as housing stars of tomorrow—players that coaches trust but lack a proven track record.

Why Tier 4 Matters for Lewis

In tier four, Colorado’s quarterback is seen as a promising but raw talent who could develop into a quality starter if given the right development environment. The belief is that Lewis’s five‑star recruiting pedigree gives him a ceiling that outweighs his current inexperience. One Big 12 assistant told The Athletic that Brennan Marion’s arrival could have a significant impact on Lewis’s growth.

“I think Brennan will turn it around with him. The Go‑Go offense might be entertaining with him.”

Where Lewis Stacks Up in the Big 12

Lewis comes ahead of a handful of conference quarterbacks, positioning him as the 12th‑best option in the Big 12. The players directly below him include:

• Jaylen Raynor – Iowa State
• Michael Hawkins Jr. – West Virginia
• JC French IV – Cincinnati
• Cole Ballard – Kansas

Above Lewis sit Oklahoma State’s Drew Mestemaker (No. 6) and Arizona’s Noah Fifita (No. 10), while the top of the conference is anchored by a few higher‑ranked names elsewhere.

Looking Forward

The Buffaloes will lean on Lewis’s arm strength and mobility, while Wilson provides depth and a potential scramble threat. If the offensive scheme unfolds as promised, fans could see an upward trajectory for a quarterback who spent his freshman season on the bench. The balance of experience and youth will be key as Colorado aims to improve its win total in the 2026 season.