Former New Orleans Saints RB Mark Ingram has chosen his 2024 Heisman pick, and it’s none other than the Colorado Buffaloes’ two-way star, Travis Hunter. Once again, Hunter stunned the college football world with his impressive performance, leading the Buffaloes to a dominant 49-24 win against the Utah Utes.
Fox Sports Analyst Reveals His Heisman Winner
Ingram, now part of the Fox Sports show Big Noon Kickoff, couldn’t stop praising Hunter’s crucial role in Saturday’s victory, declaring him his pick for the prestigious award. Following the game, he stated:
“Listen to me, Travis Hunter is the best player in college football. I love him, man. He’s ballin’. He had a rush TD today, he had an interception today, and he played 132 plays today. He’s a real dude. He has my vote right now and tomorrow too. Travis Hunter for Heisman. Let’s go!”
"Travis Hunter is the best player in college football… he has my vote right now, and tomorrow too." @markingramII is all in on @CUBuffsFootball's Travis Hunter for Heisman 🏆 pic.twitter.com/2yz40b10E7
— FOX College Football (@CFBONFOX) November 16, 2024
Fans seem to agree with Ingram’s Heisman pick, backing Hunter to win the trophy.
A fan stated, “He would know,” referencing the fact that Ingram himself won the award in what was one of the closest votes in the award’s history.
Another one mentioned, “Mark is correct. The Heisman goes to Hunter.” Someone else commented, “Heisman and #1 overall pick.”
Heisman and #1 overall pick 😤
— Eddie-Capital (@eddiejedi) November 16, 2024
A social media user expressed, “Mark Ingram backing Travis Hunter for Heisman—he’s got my vote too!”
Another football enthusiast wrote, “I mean it shouldn’t even be a debate at this point. Sometimes u gotta appreciate greatness!”
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After the Week 12 win, Hunter is comfortably leading the Heisman race with -500 odds. Following him are Boise State RB Ashton Jeanty (+425), Miami QB Cam Ward (+1400), Oregon QB Dillon Gabriel (+2200), Indiana QB Kurtis Rourke (+3000), and Alabama QB Jalen Milroe (+3000).
Hunter delivered a standout performance on Saturday, playing both wide receiver and cornerback for the Buffaloes. He recorded five receptions for 55 yards. While he didn’t score a receiving touchdown, his five-yard rushing TD late in the fourth quarter with just 2:22 left helped Colorado secure a dominant 49-24 victory. On defense, he added three tackles and an interception.
Colorado has now doubled their wins, boasting an 8-2 record compared to last year’s 4-8. With two games remaining, they remain a strong playoff contender. As Hunter prepares for the 2025 NFL Draft, winning the Heisman Trophy would make his final college season even more memorable.
Shedeur Sanders Declares Travis Hunter the Nation’s Best Two-Way Player
Hunter also received heaps of praise from his QB, Shedeur Sanders, after the win against Utah. Sanders has long regarded his teammate as the best talent in college football and was once again impressed by Hunter’s dominance as a two-way player for the Buffs.
"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
In a postgame interview, Sanders made his case for why Hunter deserves to win the Heisman, saying: “He’s the best player in the country, hands down, no doubt. There’s not a lot of guys who could do what he does on offense and defense. It’s tough to compare him to anyone else.”
So far, in 10 games, Hunter has 74 receptions for 911 yards and nine touchdowns. He currently ranks 14th in receiving stats among players across all conferences. On defense, he has recorded 24 tackles, three interceptions, eight passes defensed, and one forced fumble.
In Pro Football Network’s most recent 2025 NFL Mock Draft, Hunter was in fact the first overall pick.
“Travis Hunter brings a level of athleticism and playmaking ability we haven’t seen since Charles Woodson, the only defensive player to win the Heisman. Hunter offers more offensively than Woodson did, but you’re not really drafting him to be a full-time two-way player.”