The Colorado football team is off to a 2-1 start to the 2026 season. The Buffaloes though were clobbered in their last game, a 41-7 loss to Northwestern. Colorado head coach Deion Sanders is asking more from his quarterback, Julian Lewis, following those results.
“I told y’all he’ll be coming around the mountain, so what does that mean… He ain’t there yet … I can’t expect something out of you that’s not in you,” Sanders told reporters, per DNVR Buffs.
Lewis entered college with high marks from virtually every college football recruiting service in the country. So far during the 2026 season, the young quarterback has thrown for 658 passing yards. He also has six touchdown throws and two interceptions.
Sanders knows that his offense must be better moving forward.
“Offense is not doing what it is supposed to do. Take away the cupcake game that we had. I think we are averaging 9-10 points a game,” Sanders added, per the outlet. “It's not good, it's not gonna win for you.”
Following the loss to Northwestern, Sanders announced some changes around his program. Colorado reportedly dismissed some players from the team, per ESPN, for conduct detrimental to the team.
“I don't understand how in the world you can find joy, or you can find a laughing matter when I'm right behind you walking [into the locker room],” Sanders said, per ESPN. “I don't understand that, and I addressed it, and I'm going to put my foot in it, not on it.”
Colorado has big expectations in 2026. This is Sanders' fourth year leading the program. He has posted two losing seasons in his first three years, including a three-win season in 2025. Sanders has said in the past he knows Colorado fans deserve better than those results.
Colorado has wins over Georgia Tech and Weber State this season. The Buffaloes start Big 12 play on Saturday, with a road game against Baylor.