​Colorado Buffaloes quarterback Julian Lewis drew attention at Big 12 Media Days by describing how dramatically the offense has evolved under new coordinator Brennan Marion. Lewis noted that Colorado’s preparation for defenses this season is far more detailed, a stark departure from what he experienced as a true freshman in 2025. His remarks quickly became a standout moment from the Buffs’ media appearance at The Star. “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 fun,” Lewis told ESPN.
The comments weren’t surprising given Colorado’s struggles on offense last season. The Buffs averaged only 20.9 points per game, placing them 116th nationally in scoring, and they won just three games. They sat near the bottom of the Football Bowl Subdivision in total offense and first downs, while their defense surrendered an average of 30.5 points per game. Those struggles prompted a significant reset in Boulder, with Marion replacing Pat Shurmur as offensive coordinator and Chris Marve taking over defensive duties. With Sanders aiming for offense to average around 35 points per game, Marion’s track record at Sacramento State and UNLV suggests the standard Colorado is pursuing.
Lewis’ observations point to a cleaner, more mature offensive system heading into 2026, hinting that the Buffs are addressing more than just the playbook. The changes appear to reflect a broader shift in program thinking, emphasizing preparation, discipline, and strategic execution as they strive to transform a unit that faced persistent challenges a season ago.
As Colorado moves forward, the emphasis on a more sophisticated approach to studying defenses and game planning could be a telling indicator of the direction the program intends to take under Marion’s guidance. The Buffs are signaling that their goals extend beyond incremental tweaks, aiming for a more complete transformation in how they prepare, execute, and compete at the highest levels of college football.
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