Colorado retains Isaac Wilson at quarterback following loss to Texas Tech

University of Colorado head coach Deion Sanders confirmed on Tuesday that Isaac Wilson will start at quarterback against No. 11 Utah on Saturday, Yahoo Sports reported. The announcement keeps Julian Lewis in a backup role following Colorado's 29-7 loss to Texas Tech. Yahoo Sports reported that Wilson will face the program where his college football career began. [3]

The decision comes after Colorado suffered its third consecutive loss of the 2026 college football season against Texas Tech, as FTMQ Sports reported earlier. Yahoo Sports reported that Sanders dismissed concerns regarding reports that the team's offensive play script was left behind at a hotel bar on Friday night before the game. Texas Tech fans staying at the same hotel found the document, but Sanders stated the playbook leak did not impact the game. [2][4][10]

Sanders addressed the offensive structure ahead of the Utah matchup, advising his quarterback to keep throws to teammates, according to Yahoo College Football. Offensive coordinator Brennan Marion retained play-calling duties despite questions regarding the team's offensive performance. Yahoo College Football and USA Today both reported that Marion addressed questions regarding his role following the recent losses. [1][5]

Sanders is a former NFL and Major League Baseball player who won two Super Bowls and played in the 1992 World Series before becoming head coach at Colorado Boulder. He spent 14 seasons in the NFL with the Atlanta Falcons, San Francisco 49ers, Dallas Cowboys, Washington Redskins, and Baltimore Ravens. [6][8]

Colorado enters the matchup against No. 11 Utah looking to halt a three-game losing streak that followed a 2-0 start to the 2026 season. [3][10]