Lewis Named to Shaun Alexander Freshman of the Year Award Watch List
August 26, 2025 | Football
BOULDER – University of Colorado quarterback Julian "Ju Ju" Lewis has been named to the Shaun Alexander Freshman of the Year Award Watch List, the Maxwell Football Club announced Tuesday.
Lewis is one of 37 players, and one of five quarterbacks named to the eighth annual watch list for the award, which has been presented since 2018 to the nation's most outstanding freshman.
A 6-1 freshman from Carrollton, Ga., Lewis enrolled early at CU after a decorated prep career. A five-star recruit and unanimous top-10 quarterback in the Class of 2025, he compiled a 39-4 record as a three-year starter at Carrollton High School. He passed for 11,010 yards, the seventh-most in Georgia history, and threw 144 touchdowns, ranking fifth all-time.
Lewis was named the 2023 and 2024 Gatorade Georgia Football Player of the Year, becoming only the second player to earn the honor twice, joining Trevor Lawrence.
Colorado offensive lineman Jordan Seaton was a semifinalist for the award in 2024.
The Shaun Alexander Freshman of the Year Award, named for the former Alabama standout and 2005 NFL MVP with the Seattle Seahawks, recognizes players who make the greatest impact in their first collegiate season. The award emphasizes Talent, Character, Ambassador, and Legend as its evaluation pillars.
The award will once again be presented at the Maxwell Football Club Awards gala, along with several of the other top awards in college and professional football.
Lewis and the Buffaloes will open the 2025 season on Friday, Aug. 29, when they host Georgia Tech at 6 p.m. at Folsom Field. The game will be broadcast nationally on ESPN.
Lewis is one of 37 players, and one of five quarterbacks named to the eighth annual watch list for the award, which has been presented since 2018 to the nation's most outstanding freshman.
A 6-1 freshman from Carrollton, Ga., Lewis enrolled early at CU after a decorated prep career. A five-star recruit and unanimous top-10 quarterback in the Class of 2025, he compiled a 39-4 record as a three-year starter at Carrollton High School. He passed for 11,010 yards, the seventh-most in Georgia history, and threw 144 touchdowns, ranking fifth all-time.
Lewis was named the 2023 and 2024 Gatorade Georgia Football Player of the Year, becoming only the second player to earn the honor twice, joining Trevor Lawrence.
Colorado offensive lineman Jordan Seaton was a semifinalist for the award in 2024.
The Shaun Alexander Freshman of the Year Award, named for the former Alabama standout and 2005 NFL MVP with the Seattle Seahawks, recognizes players who make the greatest impact in their first collegiate season. The award emphasizes Talent, Character, Ambassador, and Legend as its evaluation pillars.
The award will once again be presented at the Maxwell Football Club Awards gala, along with several of the other top awards in college and professional football.
Lewis and the Buffaloes will open the 2025 season on Friday, Aug. 29, when they host Georgia Tech at 6 p.m. at Folsom Field. The game will be broadcast nationally on ESPN.
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