The Athletic identifies Colorado’s Julian Lewis as 2026 breakout candidate
Ranked 49th in the fifth tier of rising quarterbacks, Lewis benefits from coordinator Brennan Marion’s system and improved supporting cast.
Colorado Buffaloes redshirt freshman quarterback Julian Lewis has been named one of college football’s top breakout candidates for the 2026 season by The Athletic. The publication ranked Lewis 49th overall in the fifth tier of its rising quarterbacks list, noting that he was not included in the top three tiers and did not appear on the list in the previous year.
Lewis is projected to serve as the starting quarterback for the Buffaloes, with Utah transfer Isaac Wilson positioned as the backup. The designation follows the arrival of new offensive coordinator Brennan Marion, who is implementing a new offensive scheme. Marion previously coached USC standout Jayden Maiava, bringing a system that The Athletic suggests is well-suited to Lewis’s skillset.
The former blue-chip pocket passer from Georgia, listed at 6-foot-1 and 190 pounds, is described as less mobile than some of Marion’s other quarterbacks but is reportedly better at reading defences. Lewis acknowledged at Big 12 media days earlier this month that he was “high school free balling” during his previous season, admitting to a lack of discipline on the field.
The Athletic’s analysis highlights that the Buffaloes have added experienced offensive line and wide receiver transfers to support the new offence. The publication notes that Lewis is in a strong position to have a solid season or achieve a full-blown breakout, citing the schematic improvements and the enhanced supporting cast.
Lewis joins a list of other rising quarterbacks that includes Texas Tech’s Will Hammond, ranked second, and West Virginia’s Michael Hawkins, ranked ninth. Arizona State’s quarterback, listed third, is also included, though the specific name was not explicitly provided in the source material. Georgia Tech starting quarterback Alberto Mendoza, whom Colorado will face in Week 1, was also named to the list.
Other potential breakouts cited by The Athletic include Florida’s Aaron Philo, Virginia Tech’s Ethan Grunkemeyer, Mississippi State’s Mamario Taylor, Vanderbilt’s Jared Curtis, and South Florida’s Michael Van Buren. The original reporting on this development appeared on Buffaloes Wire.
