After Colorado quarterback Shedeur Sanders' college career came to an end in Saturday night's Valero Alamo Bowl, he received a kind gesture from his heir apparent.

Colorado incoming freshman and class of 2025 4-star quarterback Julian Lewis posted a locker room photo on social media praising him for leaving "big shoes to fill":

Lewis was one of 10 early enrollees who were in attendance to watch the Buffaloes as they suffered a 36-14 loss to BYU in the Alamo Bowl on Saturday night. Sanders threw for 208 yards, two touchdowns and two interceptions on 16-of-23 passing in the loss.

Lewis was the No. 6 quarterback in the nation in 247Sports' composite. He initially appeared to be heading to USC before he de-committed from the program last month and committed to Colorado just a few days later. He will likely be competing for the Buffaloes' starting job with Liberty transfer quarterback Kaidon Salter, who committed to the team earlier this month.

At 6'0" and 185 pounds, Lewis is a bit undersized, but he's still expected to have a bright future and the potential to make an immediate impact in 2025.

"Overall, projects as a new-age point guard that can push the tempo in a modern spread attack with his pin-point accuracy and savvy decision making," 247Sports director of scouting Andrew Ivins stated. "Smaller stature is not ideal, but has the skills and confidence to win games on Saturdays – and potentially right away."

While losing Sanders will lead to some adjustments, it appears that the Buffaloes are in good hands with Lewis and Salter stabilizing things under center going forward.