University of Colorado quarterback Julian Lewis is recovering after experiencing a medical emergency at the program’s athletic facility on Wednesday, his family and the school announced Thursday.
Lewis was taken to a local hospital following the episode, according to a statement released on social media by his father, T.C. Lewis. The family did not disclose specific details regarding the nature of the condition but noted that the sophomore is on the mend.
“He is recovering and thankful to his medical team, teammates and Colorado fans for their prayers and support,” his father wrote in a statement published on X, as reported by ESPN and the New York Post. The family asked for privacy and stated they had no additional comment.
University offers support
Colorado Athletics confirmed the incident in a statement Thursday, pledging complete backing for the young player known to fans as JuJu.
“Colorado Athletics extends our full support to JuJu and his family through this medical emergency,” the athletic department stated, according to ESPN. “He remains in the thoughts of every CU player, coach, and staff member and we will continue to assist in any way we can in his full recovery. His health and well-being remain our top priority during this time.”
Lewis was designated as doubtful on the initial Big 12 availability report published Wednesday evening ahead of the Buffaloes’ upcoming weekend contest, though no official injury category was assigned, Bleacher Report noted.
Season on the field
A native of Carrollton, Georgia, Lewis arrived in Boulder as a highly regarded recruit in the class of 2025. As a freshman, he played in four games and made two starts, totaling 589 passing yards, four touchdowns and no interceptions, according to Bleacher Report.
Lewis opened the 2026 campaign as the starting quarterback for head coach Deion Sanders. Over his first four starts, Lewis threw for 733 yards on 64 percent passing, with six passing touchdowns, one rushing score and two interceptions, the New York Post reported. ESPN noted he accumulated seven total touchdowns alongside three turnovers during that stretch.
After guiding the Buffaloes to a 2-1 start, Lewis was pulled at halftime of Colorado’s Big 12 opener against Baylor on Sept. 26, a matchup the Buffaloes eventually lost 23-13. Backup Isaac Wilson took over under center and has started the program’s last three games. Lewis has not appeared in a contest since being replaced.
During a Tuesday news conference before the medical incident occurred, Sanders addressed reporters’ questions about whether Lewis remained in contention for the starting job. Sanders demurred on discussing specifics, saying he did not want to be viewed as criticizing a student-athlete and told reporters, “You guys do your homework,” ESPN reported.
Next steps for Buffaloes
The Buffaloes carry a 2-5 overall record and remain winless at 0-5 in Big 12 play heading into Saturday’s home matchup against Kansas State at Folsom Field. Wilson is expected to lead the offense once again.
Medical personnel and team officials have not provided a timeline for Lewis’ release from the hospital or a potential return to football activities.
