Colorado QB Julian Lewis Hospitalized After Medical Emergency, Family Says

Colorado Buffaloes quarterback Julian Lewis suffered a medical emergency in Boulder on Wednesday. According to a statement from his family, he was rushed to the hospital and is currently recovering.

"Yesterday, Julian experienced a medical emergency at the University of Colorado athletic facility and was promptly transported to the hospital," T.C. Lewis, Julian's father, posted on social media. "He is recovering and thankful to his medical team, teammates, and Colorado fans for their prayers and support

Please respect Julian and the Lewis family's privacy. We will have no further comment at this time."

No other details were provided on the situation.

Lewis, a former five-star passer from Carrollton, Georgia, started the season at Colorado, but was benched in favor of Utah transfer Isaac Wilson against Baylor earlier this year. He threw for 733 yards with six touchdowns and two interceptions during three and a half games this season.

Sanders was able to flip Lewis from USC two years ago. The Georgia Gatorade Player of the Year left Carrollton high school with over 10,000 career passing yards despite the reclassification and forgoing his senior season. He excels at throwing with pace and precision at the first and second levels. But also capable of connecting on some deep shots. One of his biggest stats was a total of 146 touchdowns over the three years at Carrollton. He led his team to an 11-2 record and a regional crown.

The blue-chip passer arrived in Boulder as one of the most celebrated recruits in the nation. He was set to be the heir apparent to Shedeur Sanders, who left for the NFL after the 2024 season.

After three starts towards the end of last year, Lewis assumed the starting role to open the 2026 season. He went 2-1 in non-conference play with the Buffs' only loss at Northwestern. According to Coach Prime, Lewis failed to move the ball efficiently before he was pulled. The Go-Go offense implemented by Colorado offensive coordinator Brennan Marion doesn't fit Lewis and his skillset as a pro-style passer. 

Needless to say, his time with the program hasn't matched expectations. Lewis never returned to the starting lineup, with Sanders wanting to stick with Wilson over the last three games. The Buffs have yet to win without Lewis under center. 

Colorado plays Kansas State on Saturday at 2 p.m. ET on TNT. At 2-5, Sanders' team has to nearly win out to secure a bowl bid.