Colorado quarterback Julian Lewis inked a major NIL deal.
Julian Lewis Catches Attention With NIL Deal Amid Colorado QB Battle originally appeared on Athlon Sports.
With questions mounting as to how Deion Sanders would replace his son Shedeur Sanders, who won Big 12 Offensive Player of the Year in 2024, the Colorado head coach went out and brought in two great options. The Buffs landed Liberty transfer and Conference USA MVP (2023) Kaidon Salter and also landed a commitment from ESPN's No. 12 overall recruit in 2025, Julian Lewis.
While some believe that Salter has the advantage due to his experience, a recent On3 report revealed that Lewis is making it so difficult for the coaches to decide on a starter that they may try a "platoon" system during games.
Although Lewis, who reclassified from the 2026 class and was originally committed to USC, has yet to take a college snap, it's no secret that he has star potential. Aside from his five-star ranking, Lewis also boasts an NIL Valuation of $1.1 million according to On3, which is a mark that could be due for an increase after his latest deal.
Julian Lewis Inks New NIL Deal
As revealed on X via an announcement with On3, Lewis has inked an NIL deal with energy drink, Gym Weed. Not only is Lewis a Gym Weed athlete, he has also become an equity-partner, according to Pete Nakos.
Colorado quarterback Julian Lewis has inked an equity deal with the energy drink Gym Weed.
— On3 NIL (@On3NIL) August 14, 2025
He has a $1.1 million On3 NIL Valuation and is competing with Kaidon Salter for the starting QB job in training camp.
More: https://t.co/s0vAjAUYc2pic.twitter.com/tiLZ5MHJ2K
The move impressed a slew of fans on social media.
"NIU coach is complaining…..Other coaches are helping their players," wrote one user.
"Big move by JuJu Lewis," added a second.
"Nice move by Julian Lewis! Equity deals are the future," chimed in another.
"That's huge," commented a fourth.
When Will Colorado's Quarterback Battle Be Decided?
At this time, the battle between Lewis and Salter is neck-and-neck. With that being said, the program has a scrimmage this week that could be the deciding factor in picking the team's starter.
The Buffs open the season on Aug. 29 against Georgia Tech.
Related: Deion Sanders Once Kicked His Son Shilo Sanders Out of Colorado Practice
This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Aug 14, 2025, where it first appeared.
Category: General Sports