Colorado Buffaloes wide receiver/cornerback Travis Hunter‘s electrifying performances this season have made him a front-runner in the Heisman Trophy race. Yet, despite being the odds-on favorite at -350 (as per DraftKings), fans are split on whether the versatile WR/CB deserves the prestigious honor.
Deion Sanders Jr. Backs Travis Hunter Amidst Heisman Criticism
Critics argue Hunter’s stats don’t compare to other contenders like Boise State’s Ashton Jeanty. Still, Hunter found a likely ally in Coach Prime’s eldest son, Deion Sanders Jr., who took to social media to call out the negativity, tweeting, “Y’all next level hating on Travis right now… It’s actually funny.”
Yall next level hating on Travis right now…
It’s actually funny pic.twitter.com/A9oe2wpEIt— Deion Sanders Jr (@DeionSandersJr) November 17, 2024
Seventy-four catches for 911 yards and nine touchdowns, combined with key plays on defense, tell the kind of impact Hunter has had for Coach Prime this season. And his Heisman candidacy gained momentum with a stunning interception and a touchdown run in Colorado’s 49-24 win over Utah in Week 12.
However, not everyone is sold on Hunter’s Heisman worthiness. Critics point to Jeanty, who leads the nation with 1,893 rushing yards and 26 touchdowns. Fans on X argue Jeanty’s record-breaking season overshadows Hunter’s two-way impact.
One fan wrote, “Travis not even top 10 WRs for yards.. 29th for DBs in INTs… not even top 3 on his own secondary for tackles. Where are his heisman stats?”
Travis not even top 10 WRs for yards.. 29th for DBs in INTs… not even top 3 on his own secondary for tackles. Where are his heisman stats?
— TheMel_Insiders (@TheMel_Insiders) November 17, 2024
Another said, “Hunter has pretty normal numbers for WR and CB🤷♂️ Jeanty is impacting every single game.”
One football fan commented, “Hunter has average WR and DB stats. Jeanty has some of the greatest RB stats in recent history. Should be Jeanty in a landslide.”
“Jeanty is having a historically legendary season that we won’t see again for a long time. Travis plays 2 positions at a good level, but not spectacular at either. Jeanty is the clear answer,” said another.
“This shouldn’t even be a debate. Ashton Jeanty putting up record breaking numbers. Winning the heisman trophy isn’t a popularity contest, it’s given to a player who performs amazingly like Jeanty is playing,” tweeted one user.
Another X user said, “It’s Jeanty and you’re lying to yourself or a victim of believing the over-hyping of CU of you think it’s Hunter. He’s obviously an awesome player, but Jeanty stands alone this year.”
Hunter has been central in Colorado’s 8-2 resurgence this season. He has helped the Buffaloes secure bowl eligibility as the team looks forward to the Big 12 Championship and a spot in the College Football Playoff.
Hunter’s ability to play at an elite level on both sides of the ball is rare, and NFL scouts are already projecting him as a potential No. 1 pick in the 2025 NFL Draft.
Hunter has more opportunities to silence his critics with two games left in the regular season and a possible Big 12 title clash on the horizon.