Colorado Buffaloes' Deion Sanders NCAA Violation: USC Trojans Decommit Julian Lewis

Former USC Trojans commit and now Colorado Buffaloes five-star class of 2025 quarterback Julian Lewis is facing NCAA violations per Timothy Rapp of Bleacher Report. The violation was self-reported by Colorado coach Deion Sanders.

The incident occurred late in the the recruiting cycle. In November, Deion Sanders mentioned Lewis during an episode of the Colorado Football Coaches Show. The issue here? Coaches are not allowed to publicize incoming recruits before they officially sign with the school. Lewis did not sign with Colorado until December 4th.

MORE: No. 1 Cornerback Recruit Duvay Williams Commit To USC Trojans, Georgia Bulldogs?

MORE: USC Trojans Commit Madden Riordan Earns Major College Football Achievement

MORE: USC Trojans' Lincoln Riley, Staff Visit 5-Star Recruit Elbert Hill, Kelvin Obot

Colorado Buffaloes With Another NCAA Violation

Oct 20, 2023; Carrollton, GA, USA; Carrollton Trojans quarterback Julian Lewis (10) drops back to pass against the Westlake Lions during the first half at Grisham Stadium. The 15-year-old Carrollton High student has already committed to playing for the University of Southern California Trojans and has been considered one of the top high school quarterback prospects. Mandatory Credit: John David Mercer-Imagn Images | John David Mercer-Imagn Images

During the episode, Sanders was asked how he approaches communicating with recruits and their families. He tried to then use an example of Lewis.

“Get JuJu on the phone and get his pop on the phone,” Sanders said. “See if his dad want to come down and just sit and chop it up with me.”

In another episode prior to Lewis signing, Lewis was mentioned by name by one of the other hosts on the show. Both episodes name dropping Lewis have been taken down from YouTube.

This is 17th NCAA infraction Colorado has been dinged with since Sanders took over as head coach in December of 2022. None of these violations are considered anything other than minor and Colorado will face very little punishment from it.

Could Deion Sanders Go To the Dallas Cowboys?

Jan 5, 2025; Arlington, Texas, USA; Dallas Cowboys owner Jerry Jones before the game against the Washington Commanders at AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images | Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images

Deion Sanders has been in rumors for the Dallas Cowboys head coaching job. ESPN's Adam Schefter reported on Thursday per On3 that the conversations between the two sides have mellowed down.

"It was just a conversation,” Schefter said. “Obviously, everybody got carried away with it and we’ll see if that continues on...right now it looks like they’re looking at these other candidates to decide whether or not to move forward with them.”

The Cowboys are still in the thick of their head coaching search after they decided to part ways with Mike McCarthy. McCarthy spent five seasons in Dallas that consisted of three 12-win seasons. Dallas is one of four NFL teams that have not yet hired a head coach in this year's coaching carousel. What makes Sanders potentially an attractive name?

Sanders took over a 1-11 Colorado team in 2022 and two years later, led them to 9-4 record. During his two years, he coached quarterback Shedeur Sanders and cornerback/wide receiver Travis Hunter. Sanders is projected as one of the top quarterbacks to be taken in the 2025 NFL Draft. Hunter won the 2024 Heisman Trophy and is projected as an early first round pick.

MORE: Caleb Williams Screamed In Excitement When Chicago Bears Hired Ben Johnson

MORE: Five-Star Wide Receiver Recruit Ethan Feaster Leaning USC Trojans, Texas Longhorns?

MORE: USC Trojans' Lincoln Riley Visits California Recruits: Ryder Lyons, Brandon Arrington

MORE: Reggie Bush Dreams Of Coaching USC Trojans: ‘I Can Help Win National Championships’