NEW YORK – Travis Hunter, Colorado’s electrifying two-way player, etched his name into the history books Saturday night by winning the prestigious Heisman Trophy, college football’s most coveted award. Hunter’s incredible season as a standout wide receiver and lockdown cornerback captivated fans, defied expectations, and ultimately earned him one of the highest honours in sports.
The award was presented at a Jazz at Lincoln Center in Manhattan ceremony, with Hunter’s coach, Deion Sanders, among the proud attendees. The victory makes Hunter only the second player from Colorado to win the Heisman, joining the late Rashaan Salaam, who won in 1994.
A tearful Hunter took the stage to accept the trophy, gripping it tightly before letting out a roar of excitement. “I never thought I would be in this position,” he said. “It’s crazy. I’m just so grateful.”
A Season for the Ages
Hunter’s journey to the Heisman podium is nothing short of extraordinary. The 6-foot-1 junior from Suwanee, Georgia, was a game-changer on both sides of the ball, amassing jaw-dropping stats that showcased his versatility. On offence, he hauled in 92 catches for 1,152 yards and 14 touchdowns, adding one rushing score to his total. On defence, he recorded 32 tackles, four interceptions, 11 pass breakups, and a forced fumble that secured a pivotal overtime win against Baylor.
Hunter’s ability to excel in both roles set him apart in an era where specialization is the norm. He played an astonishing 1,356 snaps this season—84% of Colorado’s total—and was a constant presence on the field, contributing in nearly every game-changing moment.
“He wants to be great at everything,” said Deion Sanders, Colorado’s head coach and a two-sport legend himself. “Wants to commit to excellence in everything he does—including fishing,” Sanders joked.
A Narrow Victory
Hunter’s Heisman win was one of the closest in recent memory. He received 552 first-place votes and 2,231 total points, narrowly edging out Boise State running back Ashton Jeanty, who garnered 309 first-place votes and 2,017 points. The margin of victory—just 214 points—was the tightest since 2009 when Mark Ingram beat out Toby Gerhart.
Two quarterbacks, Oregon’s Dillon Gabriel and Miami’s Cam Ward, rounded out the top four. It was only the fifth time in the 21st century that a quarterback did not win the Heisman.
A Rare Two-Way Star
Hunter joins an exclusive club as one of the few defensive players to win the Heisman. Before him, only Michigan’s Charles Woodson, who won in 1997, claimed the honour while playing primarily on defence. Woodson also contributed to offence and special teams but saw less action on both sides of the ball than Hunter.
Highlight-reel plays and unforgettable moments fueled Hunter’s Heisman campaign. From snagging clutch touchdown passes to shutting down top wide receivers, he proved his value week after week. His ability to seamlessly transition between offence and defence made him a unique weapon for Colorado and a nightmare for opponents.
Transforming Colorado Football
Hunter’s historic season also marked a turning point for Colorado football. Under the leadership of Coach Sanders, the Buffaloes improved from a 4-8 record in 2023 to a 9-3 finish this year. Their impressive performance earned them a spot in the Alamo Bowl, where they will face No. 17 BYU on December 28.
“This program has come a long way, and Travis is a big reason why,” Sanders said. “He’s not just a great player; he’s a leader, inspiring everyone around him to improve.”
Hunter’s contributions were particularly significant given Colorado’s demanding schedule in the Big 12 conference. Despite the physical toll of playing nearly every snap, Hunter showed remarkable resilience, a trait he credited to his rigorous recovery routine.
“I do a lot of treatment and recovery to keep my body in shape,” Hunter explained. “If you believe you can do it and care for yourself, you can push through anything.”
From Underdog to Favorite
Hunter’s rise to Heisman glory was anything but predictable. Entering the season, he was considered a long shot for the award, with odds as steep as 75-1. However, his odds quickly improved as Colorado racked up wins and Hunter delivered one stellar performance after another. By the season’s final weeks, he had become the clear favourite.
His path to stardom began long before this season. Rated as the top recruit in the nation in 2022, Hunter shocked the football world by committing to Jackson State, a historically Black university, to play under Sanders. After one standout season, he followed Sanders to Colorado, where he became a consensus All-American despite missing several games in 2023 due to injury.
What’s Next for Hunter?
Hunter’s Heisman win is just the latest milestone in what promises to be a remarkable football career. Projected as the No. 1 overall pick in the NFL draft by ESPN analyst Mel Kiper Jr., Hunter has already announced his intention to forego his senior season and declare for the draft.
However, he plans to suit up one last time for Colorado in the Alamo Bowl, choosing to play rather than sit out to avoid injury. It’s a decision that reflects his dedication to the team and his love for the game.
“I want to finish what I started,” Hunter said. “This team means everything to me, and I want to go out there and compete again with my brothers.”
A Legacy in the Making
Hunter’s impact extends beyond the football field. His success as a two-way player has inspired a new generation of athletes to embrace versatility and chase their dreams.
“I think I laid the groundwork for more players to go two ways,” Hunter said. “It all starts with your mindset. If you believe you can do it, you can make it happen.”
Deion Sanders, a two-way star himself during his playing days, couldn’t be prouder of his protégé.
“He’s already accomplished so much, but this is just the beginning for Travis,” Sanders said. “The sky’s the limit for him.”
Travis Hunter’s Heisman win is more than a personal triumph; it celebrates hard work, resilience. And the power of believing in oneself. As he prepares to take the next step in his career, his legacy at Colorado and college football is secure.
For fans and teammates alike. Hunter’s remarkable season will be remembered as one of the most thrilling and inspirational in the sport’s history. Whether catching touchdowns, breaking up passes, or simply leading by example. Travis Hunter has proven he’s a once-in-a-generation talent destined for greatness.
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