"At the end of the day, we're all getting paid": 5-star recruit Julian Lewis opens up on NIL deals following decommitment from USC

By Byron Terry

Modified Nov 23, 2024 06:09 GMT

Five-star quarterback Julian Lewis decommitted from USC on Sunday after being committed to the Trojans for over a year. How much money he could make at the school he ultimately chooses could be a big part of that decision.

With the landscape of NIL, allowing athletes to be paid in college sports, Julian Lewis talked about different factors that could determine committing to a school in an interview with Ansley Galvak of the Georgia High School Football Daily.

“At the end of the day, we’re all getting paid. Like, money isn’t going to be a problem. I wouldn’t make that the biggest concern on determining schools and deciding stuff," he said.

The quarterback from Carrollton High School in Georgia said that he wanted to go somewhere where he could be comfortable and trust the people around him.

NIL is changing so much in college sports. Athletes weren't always paid for their contributions to their sports, but NIL has taken the college sports world by storm. Some players transfer to certain schools due to the potential deals they may be able to secure. Many major programs even have NIL collectives that go toward the athletes.

Speaking about the factors that went into the decision, Lewis said:

"You’ve got to look at where your career goals are at the end of the day. I feel like my dad (TC Lewis) and me, and my whole crew around me, set it up pretty well where I’d be in the position that I’m in right now. So I’m, just blessed and grateful."

Julian Lewis NIL Deals

Sports Illustrated reported that Julian Lewis has NIL deals from Alo Yoga, Leaf Trading Cards and more. It also reported that his NIL valuation is at $1.1 million. In an On3 story, Lewis said how money was an important factor in his choice of college.

The quarterback said that he had to be able to provide for his family. He also said that he had bought cars for himself and his dad through the money he had made. "But my whole thing is football," he said.

Julian Lewis to Colorado?

With his recent decision to decommit, speculation is that the Colorado Buffaloes may get a commitment from the highly touted recruit. Lewis officially visited Colorado in June, months before his decision was taken. With star Colorado quarterback Sheduer Sanders leaving for the NFL, it makes sense why the Buffaloes are pursuing Lewis.

Tom Loy of 247Sports has Julian Lewis at 100% to Colorado on the crystal ball prediction. While Colorado may be the heavy favorite, according to experts, Lewis has officially visited Auburn, USC and Indiana, so those schools may also be in the running for the star recruit.