Coming out of high school, Travis Hunter was considered one of the top recruits in the country. In December 2021, he committed to Deion Sanders’ Jackson State Tigers. Recruiting director Steve Wiltfong called the move “the biggest signing day moment in College Football history.” Hunter became the first five-star prospect to sign with an HBCU school over bigger well-known programs. The reason he gave?
“Historically Black Colleges and Universities have a rich history in football,” Hunter had tweeted. “I want to be part of that history, and more, I want to be part of that future. I am making this decision so that I can light the way for others to follow, make it a little easier for the next player to recognize that HBCUs may be everything you want and more.”
Deion and Shedeur Sanders Weigh In on Travis Hunter’s Heisman Chances
When Sanders moved to the Colorado Buffaloes in 2022, Hunter followed him. And now, in Saturday’s game against the Utah Utes, Colorado (8-2) came away with a 49-24 win at home.
Hunter was a paragon on both sides of the ball, posting five receptions for 55 yards, adding a five-yard rushing touchdown, and making an interception and a pass breakup on defense.
Post-game, reeling on the high of the tremendous win, Coach Prime lauded his cornerback:
“Travis is the epitome of a football player. He loves the game, practices hard. He’s a straight-A student. … He ain’t smoking, he ain’t getting high, he ain’t doing nothing stupid like that or getting drunk. He’s a great human being.”
"He's a straight A student… He ain't smoking, he ain't getting high, he ain't doing nothing stupid like that or getting drunk. He's a great human being."@JennyTaft talks with @CUBuffsFootball's @DeionSanders about Travis Hunter after his dominant performance ⬇️ pic.twitter.com/SO3r1YB1Pn
— FOX College Football (@CFBONFOX) November 16, 2024
And now, the two-way star has 911 receiving yards with 10 touchdowns, along with 24 tackles and three interceptions this season.
The 21-year-old psychology major has become an overwhelming Heisman favorite after his performance in Week 12. While the Heisman Trophy is commonly given to quarterbacks, the wide receiver/cornerback has outdone nearly every early contender.
“If they can’t see, they can’t see. It is what it is, Travis is who he is” Sanders said post-game when asked if he’ll petition for Hunter for Heisman.
“It’s supposed to go to the best college football player. I think that’s been a wrap since what, Week 2? We ain’t petitioning for nobody, we ain’t doing that. We have a wonderful display of cameras here, and I think we’re on national television every week. If they can’t see it, there’s a problem.”
Coach Prime isn't petitioning for Travis Hunter for Heisman:
"We've got a wonderful display of cameras here & I think we're on National Television every week. If they can't see it, there's a problem. Don't allow their hatred for me to interfere with our kids' success." pic.twitter.com/A42dVvAera
— NoSkoZone (@noskozone) November 16, 2024
In Saturday’s game, Shedeur Sanders, a Heisman contender himself, threw for 340 yards and three touchdowns against Utah. After the game, he was asked why Hunter deserves the coveted award:
“He’s the best player in the country, hands down, no doubt. There’s not a lot of guys that could do what he do on offense and defense, so it’s really tough to compare him to anybody else.”
"He's the best player in the country hands down."
Shedeur Sanders tells @JennyTaft why he thinks Travis Hunters should win the Heisman ⬇️ pic.twitter.com/iRguJlulh7
— FOX College Football (@CFBONFOX) November 16, 2024
The Buffaloes have two games left in the regular-season campaign. If they win both, they’ll play in the Big 12 Championship with an opportunity in the 12-team College Football Playoff.