Inside elite 2026 QB Julian “Juju” Lewis’ first cut

Julian Lewis can pretty much go anywhere he wants in the country. He has been known throughout the country since he was in middle school. The talented 2026 signal caller out of Carrollton (Ga.) has over 30 offers and earlier this week he announced his top eight schools.

Alabama, Florida State, Georgia, LSU, Ohio State, Oregon, Texas A&M and USC made the cut. If there was a surprise when that list came out, it was that Texas was not on the list. Lewis is a fan of Steve Sarkisian, and his development of quarterbacks over the years, but the Longhorns are on the outside looking in as Lewis prepares for his sophomore season.

Moving forward, Lewis is not afraid of making an early decision. How early is the question? He wants to be the leader and the face of the recruiting class he is part of, so Lewis narrowing his list down to eight schools at a very young age says a lot about where he is with the process.

Being identified early as a top recruit allowed Lewis to get out, take visits before many in his class had offers, and although he is only one full year into his school, he is far advanced as a recruit. He is much farther along with the recruiting process than most his age are.

Who are the early favorites to land Lewis?

All eight are in the mix, and Lewis is going to keep his options open. But based on intel, if there are a couple to watch early, they would be Georgia and USC.

Georgia is the in-state school and the school Lewis has visited the most. He likes Kirby Smart, where the program is at, and the pieces he would have to work with if he went there. Lewis will watch the offense closely this season under Mike Bobo, the new offensive coordinator.

With that said, if I had to give an edge to one school early, it would be USC. Lewis was out in Los Angeles again this summer and Lincoln Riley has the Trojans in a good spot early. Riley’s development of quarterbacks and his offense appeals to Lewis. The location and opportunities around USC also make the soon-to-be Big Ten program attractive.

After Georgia and USC, Alabama is one to watch. The Crimson Tide are expected to be in the mix until the end for Lewis. Texas A&M is one to watch closely too. He is looking into a return visit to College Station later this month. The only visit he knows for certain when visits open back up is a trip to Ohio State.

Lewis will be at many games in the fall and his recruitment could accelerate from there.

Will Lewis be part of the 2025 or 2026 class?

One thing I know is, Lewis will have that option. He will have the academic credits to be part of either class. Heading into this school year, Lewis is still part of the 2026 class. He is in no hurry to make that decision.

Some schools are already recruiting Lewis like he is their 2025 target while others still have him on their board as a 2026 quarterback. Depending on who Lewis likes most in the end, and what class they want him to be a part of, could factor into his decision on if he stays 2026 or reclassifies to 2025.

Regardless of which class Lewis decides to be a part of, he will be coveted by many of the nation’s best. As a freshman, the 6-foot-1, 185-pounder threw for 4,118 yards and 48 touchdowns while leading Carrollton to the state championship game.

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