Full Breakdown
Deion Sanders Benchmarks Julian Lewis at Half-Time in Colorado’s Loss to Baylor
By Drooid · · How we work
Core Event: Quarterback Switch in Waco
On September 26, 2026, the Colorado Buffaloes fell 23-13 to the Baylor Bears at McLane Stadium in Waco, Texas. Trailing 10-3 at halftime, head coach Deion Sanders removed sophomore quarterback Julian “JuJu” Lewis and inserted Utah transfer Isaac Wilson. The change sparked a rally that tied the game at 13-13 in the fourth quarter, but Baylor answered with a touchdown and a late field goal to secure the win.
Background & Context: Post-Shedeur Era and Early-Season Struggles
Colorado entered the season still adjusting after Shedeur Sanders—Deion’s son and a former Big 12 Offensive Player of the Year—was drafted in 2025. The quarterback position has rotated through several players, including Liberty transfer Kaidon Salter and former Tennessee quarterback Ryan Staub, without a clear starter. Lewis, a former five-star recruit, started the first four games but has yet to find consistent rhythm, prompting Sanders to seek an immediate spark against Baylor.
Data & Statistics
- Julian Lewis (first half): 11-of-16, 75 yards, 0 TDs, 3 sacks, –17 rushing yards.
- Isaac Wilson (second half): 12-of-25, 156 yards, 1 TD, 0 turnovers, sacked twice.
- Key drive: Wilson led a 95-yard, 12-play sequence ending with a 17-yard TD pass to Joseph Williams with 11:04 left, tying the game.
- Colorado offense: 3-of-17 on third down, 0 fourth-down conversions.
- Colorado defense: Held Baylor QB DJ Lagway to 221 yards; limited the run to 3.4 yards per carry.
Official Statements & Responses
Sanders framed the halftime adjustment as a tactical move, emphasizing the need to “get going” and score points. He praised Wilson’s performance while urging fans not to abandon Lewis, noting that improvement is required across multiple positions, not just at quarterback.
Verbatim Quote
- “Don’t give up on JuJu. That kid plays with tremendous effort and heart. We just needed a change,” — Deion Sanders, head coach
What's Next
Colorado’s next contest is a home game against No. 11 Texas Tech the following week. Sanders said the quarterback decision for that matchup remains undecided and that the offense will be further evaluated before naming a starter. The Buffaloes aim to turn the brief second-half surge against Baylor into a full-game turnaround.