Colorado Backup Quarterback Julian Lewis Hospitalized After Medical Emergency

Julian Lewis, the backup quarterback for the University of Colorado, was transported to a hospital following a medical emergency at the athletic facility on Wednesday. His father, T. Carlton Lewis, confirmed the incident in a post on the social media platform X early Thursday morning.

Lewis began the 2026 campaign as the starting quarterback for the Buffaloes. Coach Deion Sanders later shifted the starting role to Isaac Wilson. In his second year at the university, Lewis has recorded 733 passing yards, six touchdown passes, and two interceptions. Last month, he set a program record against Weber State by throwing four touchdown passes in the first half and rushing for another score.

T. Carlton Lewis stated on Thursday that his son is "recovering and thankful to his medical team, teammates, and Colorado fans for their prayers and support." The elder Lewis asked the public to "respect Julian and the Lewis family’s privacy" while noting that no further details would be released immediately.

The university released a statement expressing full support for Lewis and his family. The school said the player remains in the thoughts of all athletes, coaches, and staff members. "His health and well-being remain our top priority during this time," the statement read, adding that the staff would continue to assist in any way possible for his full recovery.

Wide receiver Joseph Williams, a teammate of Lewis, posted on social media that he is praying for his teammate. Williams noted that athletes' mental health matters and urged people not to judge without knowing what the team has endured. He referred to Lewis as a "twin" in his message.

The Buffaloes are scheduled to play Kansas State this Saturday. No specific diagnosis or expected return date has been announced by the coaching staff or the Lewis family as of Thursday morning.