Julian Lewis is heading into his sophomore season at Colorado with more attention surrounding him than ever.
The Buffaloes quarterback was named to the 2026 Maxwell Award watch list, putting him among 81 players being considered for the award, which is presented annually to the top player in college football.
Lewis saw limited action during his freshman season, appearing in four games and making two starts. He completed 52 of 94 passes for 589 yards and four touchdowns while finishing the season without an interception.
His most impressive outing came in his first collegiate start against West Virginia. Lewis completed 22 of 35 passes for 299 yards and two touchdowns, earning Big 12 Quarterback of the Week honors for his performance.
The game also put Lewis into the Colorado record book. His 299 passing yards were the second-most by a true freshman quarterback making his first start in program history, trailing only Koy Detmer’s 418-yard performance against Oklahoma in 1992.
Now, the expectations are different.
With another year of experience behind him, Lewis is expected to take on a much larger role for the Buffaloes. His inclusion on the Maxwell watch list adds to the national attention surrounding the young quarterback as Colorado prepares for the 2026 season.
Colorado has never had a Maxwell Award winner. Lewis now has an opportunity to become part of that conversation, but the real test will come once the season gets underway.
For the Buffaloes, the hope is that the flashes Lewis showed as a freshman can turn into consistent production. For Lewis, the Maxwell Award watch list is an early recognition of the potential he brings into his second season.
