Colorado Buffaloes' Deion Sanders Reveals Thoughts On Playing 5-Star Julian Lewis vs. Delaware

BOULDER — Ahead of the Colorado Buffaloes' Week 2 home game against the Delaware Blue Hens, coach Deion Sanders will address the media on Tuesday. "Coach Prime" is expected to preview the matchup and share a few other updates on the Buffs as they look to regroup from Friday's loss to the Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets.

Perhaps the two biggest questions facing Colorado this week are the injury status of wide receiver Omarion Miller and the possibility of freshman quarterback Julian "JuJu" Lewis making his college debut. Many have also expressed uncertainty about offensive coordinator Pat Shurmur's play-calling abilities, but no changes are expected for now.

Live Updates Colorado Buffaloes Coach Deion Sanders Delaware Blue Hens Week Presser Kaidon Salter Julian Lewis Omarion Miller — Aug 29, 2025; Boulder, Colorado, USA; Colorado Buffaloes head coach Deion Sanders during the first quarter against the Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets at Folsom Field. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-Imagn Images | Ron Chenoy-Imagn Images

This article will be updated throughout Sanders' Delaware Blue Hens game week press conference:

Competition Between Ben Finneseth and Tawfiq Byard

Ben Finneseth started alongside Carter Stoutmire at safety against Georgia Tech, but the competition is still ongoing with Tawfiq Byard also in the mix.

Coach Prime on Ben Finneseth and Tawfiq Byard, both of them playing vs GT and the position battle.

“Those guys are still battling. Someone gotta step out and seize the moment. The battle is won in practice, not out there in the game field.”
— Jake Schwanitz (@JakeDNVR) September 2, 2025

Approach to Julian Lewis

“You don’t want to rush things," Sanders said of Lewis. "You want to make sure the timing is right. I don’t think the timing was appropriate last week. I’ve made up my mind, he’s playing (against Delaware).”

More DeKalon Taylor?

On running back DeKalon Taylor: "We need to get the ball in his hands more."

Thoughts on Delaware

Coach Prime on Delaware.

“Good team, they played against one of my dear friends in Coach Jackson last week. This team is tough.”
— Jake Schwanitz (@JakeDNVR) September 2, 2025

Julian Lewis "Playing This Week For Sure"

"Coach Prime" said that Julian Lewis will make his college debut against the Blue Hens, although he declined to share when that will come.

"He's playing this week for sure," Sanders said. "I know when we're going to see him. You just don't know when you're going to see him."

Updates on Omarion Miller, Dallan Hayden

"Coach Prime" said wide receiver Omarion Miller is still out with a hamstring injury and running back Dallan Hayden (hand) returned to practice but his return timeline remains unclear.

Thoughts On Pat Shurmur, Robert Livingston

Deion Sanders on #CUBuffs OC Pat Shurmur:

"We didn't lose the game because of coach Shurmur, coach Livingston, or any other thing. I have to be better."
— Harrison Simeon (@harrisonjsimeon) September 2, 2025

Alejandro Mata Reflects On Georgia Tech Loss

Kicker Alejandro Mata, who nailed two field goals against the Yellow Jackets, said that while the Buffs haven't lost any confidence, their performance against Georgia Tech was a "wake-up call."

Alejandro Mata described Colorado's loss to GT as a "wake-up call"
— Jack Carlough (@Jack_Carlough) September 2, 2025

Will Julian Lewis See Playing Time?

While Kaidon Salter is still expected to start at quarterback again, Lewis may see snaps if Colorado builds a large enough lead. "Coach Prime" said Lewis was available to play against Georgia Tech, but the close nature of the game kept Salter on the field.

Salter, a transfer from Liberty, threw for 159 yards, rushed for 43 and accounted for two touchdowns against Georgia Tech in his own Colorado debut. After the loss, "Coach Prime" said he'd like to see Salter use his legs more.

Expect "Coach Prime" to provide additional insight into Colorado's quarterback situation on Tuesday.

Omarion Miller's Injury Status

"Coach Prime" revealed after Friday's loss that standout wide receiver Omarion Miller "tweaked" his hamstring. It's currently unclear whether Miller, who recorded one catch for 39 yards against Georgia Tech, will see action on Saturday.

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Quick Look At Delaware Blue Hens

Led by fourth-year coach Ryan Carty, Delaware is 1-0 after beating rival Delaware State in Week 1, 35-17. Quarterback Nick Minicucci threw for 251 yards and three touchdowns, and defensive backs KT Seay and Kahlil Ali each recorded an interception.

The Blue Hens are navigating their first season at the FBS level as a member of the Conference USA.

Kickoff between the Buffs and Blue Hens on Saturday at Folsom Field is set for 1:30 p.m. MT on ESPN.