College Football

Deion Sanders' Intentions for Julian Lewis' Camp Disputed Amid Colorado Transfer Portal Rumors

October 7, 2026

Julian Lewis, once positioned as Colorado’s quarterback cornerstone under Deion Sanders’ rebuild, now finds himself at the center of a swirling controversy after being benched and facing speculation about a potential transfer. A viral claim from former CU player Matt McCall suggested Lewis had been told by Sanders’ inner circle that he would no longer play for the Buffaloes, sit out the season while collecting NIL earnings, and enter the transfer portal immediately.

However, analyst Phillip Dukes dismissed the narrative as exaggerated, arguing the university would not grant Lewis NIL clearance if he refused to play—contradicting the idea of a quiet exit. Dukes pointed out that Colorado’s licensing agreement ties NIL payments to on-field participation, and revoking clearance would jeopardize Lewis’s earnings, making the transfer rumors unlikely.

The debate highlights Sanders’ history of roster turnover, including over 50 scholarship players leaving in 2023 and three recent removals this year for conduct violations, raising questions about his long-term vision for Lewis’s role.