​The Colorado Buffaloes head into the new season hoping to leave behind a disappointingly rough campaign as they begin Deion Sanders’ fourth year in Boulder. Last year’s squad finished with a 3-9 record, a tally marred by three different quarterbacks taking snaps and a Big 12 offense that ranked near the bottom of the conference. One of those quarterbacks, Julian Lewis, is back to lead the offense as the starter for his second season at Colorado. As a freshman, Lewis completed 52 of 94 passes for 589 yards, four touchdowns, and a 122.0 passer rating. He is aiming for significant improvement this year, a goal he outlined during a Tuesday appearance at Monster Energy Big 12 Football Media Days.
Lewis identifies a clear path to uplift the Buffaloes’ performance: more rigorous film study. “I’m actually looking at the defenses now. Last year we weren’t really looking at defenses much. Just kind of high school free-balling. Just out there playing football. But it’s a lot bigger than that now, so it should be fine,” he told reporters. His comments underscore a broader shift within the program as Colorado emphasizes a more methodical, detail-driven approach to preparation.
The coaching staff turnover this offseason further signals a strategic reset on offense. Colorado has installed Brennan Marion as the new offensive coordinator, moving him from his previous role as Sacramento State’s head coach. Marion replaces Pat Shurmur, who was reassigned to quarterbacks coach after a 3-6 start that had already strained the unit. The on-field results at the time did not immediately reflect the anticipated upgrade in offensive performance, but the Buffs remain optimistic that the changes behind the scenes will yield dividends.
Lewis’s optimism appears rooted in the potential for better preparation and execution. He hints that the team’s focus on studying defenses more thoroughly could translate into smarter reads, quicker decision-making, and more efficient production on game day. If the quarterback and the system can align, the Buffaloes could start to convert more drives and move the ball with greater consistency, addressing a key weakness from a season ago.
Beyond Lewis, the broader roster will need to respond to the new offensive direction. The combination of a more defense-attuned approach and Marion’s strategic play-calling will be tested as Colorado faces a schedule designed to challenge a unit still building chemistry and continuity. The emphasis on film study suggests a blueprint for improvement: detailed scouting reports, more precise pre-snap adjustments, and the development of a more cohesive rhythm between the quarterback, the skilled receivers, and the line.
As spring and summer practices yield to game preparation, the Buffaloes’ emphasis on defense-focused study may represent the core shift in their approach. Lewis’s framing of the shift—from a year dominated by free-flowing, unstructured play to one anchored in study, recognition, and preparation—points to a more disciplined, study-driven mindset. If that mindset translates into execution on Saturdays, Colorado could begin to close the gap on the Big 12’s more established offenses.
In any event, the 2024 season promises to be a test of both quarterback development and offensive cohesion. Julian Lewis’ second year as starter will be a key barometer of progress, but his improvement will likely depend on the team’s collective ability to apply their increased preparation to a game plan that can exploit defenses more consistently. As the Buffs pursue a more informed, defense-aware approach, fans will be watching closely to see if the combination of improved preparation and new leadership on offense can translate into a more competitive showing and a more productive passer rating for Lewis and the unit as a whole.