Elite 2026 QB Julian Lewis narrows list to eight schools

There are few high school recruits more well-known than Julian ‘JuJu’ Lewis, and he’s only a rising sophomore.

The Carrollton (Ga.) star quarterback boasts huge social media followings and is already one of the most talked-about prospects in the country, holding more than three-dozen offers. But he’s focused on the field and on moving forward in the recruiting process. After fielding offers from across the country, he is down to eight schools, he told On3.

They include Alabama, Georgia, USC, Florida State, Texas A&M, Oregon, Ohio State and LSU.

“I started visiting schools when I was in 7th grade so I’ve seen a lot of programs,” Lewis told On3. “I’m not a huge fan of this process, I just love to play football. People think I’m joking when I say that, but visits take up a lot of time. Now I’ll only visit these schools which will make things easier. It wasn’t tough to cut my list because I know what type of coaches I want to play for at the next level.”

Lewis has NFL aspirations and wants to focus on schools that will get him there

The 6-foot, 185-pounder has already visited each of his top eight schools, save for Oregon and Ohio State.

Each one, he feels, has the necessary resources and level of coaching to get him to the NFL. And that’s his ultimate goal. But stability and not having to worry about who will be coaching him is also a key factor.

“Coaching stability is a big deal,” he said. “I don’t want to be in a situation where there’s going to be change every year. Coaches have goals just like players, so I know they have to make business decisions. The offensive coordinator or QBs coach is going to almost always change unless the head coach is the OC; that’s the reality at top programs.”

Lewis has his eyes on a potential decision ‘soon,’ though he doesn’t have an exact date in mind. Some schools are recruiting him as a 2026 prospect, while others would be pleased to have him reclassify to 2025. As of now, he and his family plan for him to stay as a 2026 recruit but are keeping their options open.

“My goal is to make a decision soon,” he said. “Some schools want me in 2025, others in 2026. A lot is going on. I feel like this is for me and the schools that are recruiting me. There were a few schools that I really liked but they never offered. So I feel like it’s time for me to move on and get them off my mind as well and focus on the schools that are recruiting me for real.”

Breaking down the top eight schools

Lewis also gave a quick breakdown of each of the top schools and why they remain on his list.

Alabama: I’ve visited Alabama more than any other school except Georgia. Coach Saban’s offense is built around what I do well. The system really does fit me perfectly. Coach Rees and the talent they have at every position make it a great option.

Georgia: The opportunity to play at Georgia will be hard to pass up. The way they’re recruiting right now is insane. To play with the guys they’re bringing in and be at home after my HS career would be special. I really like Coach Smart, Bobo, McGhee and VanGorder. I know they would develop me and get the most out of me as a player.

USC: It is a special opportunity because of Coach Riley and what he does with QBs. He and I have talked a lot about what I can accomplish playing for him and how much fun we’d have together. USC has great academics and a lot to offer outside of football as well.

Florida State: I love how FSU practices and I believe they are about to be a playoff type team. They are getting new facilities and Coach Norvel is a high energy coach. FSU is a place that I feel like if I went there a lot of other top recruits could come to and play early.

Texas A&M: It’s amazing at A&M. Every time I go there they make me feel at home. The facilities are going to be the best in the country, and they bring in a lot of talent. They do a great job recruiting and I think that’s going to continue.

Oregon: Their offense is built for what I do well. I know I could be successful in that system and that means a lot. Schools out west don’t really come to Georgia for QBs, so that means a lot to me as well. The opportunity to play for that fan base is something I have to take a hard look at.

Ohio State: As far as QB development goes you can’t deny what they do. They get the best WR’s every year and I don’t think that’s going to change. I haven’t had a chance to visit yet because every time I plan to go they have OV’s or something going on. My plan is to get there at the end of July and for a game this season.

LSU: Coach Sloan is my guy. I really like him and his plan for me as a player. I don’t think many schools can play with Alabama and Georgia, but they can. If I went to LSU we would be loaded with guys in my class. That’s attractive because there’s only a few schools that I know I can build a top class at.