Colorado Buffaloes two-way sensation Travis Hunter finds himself right at the center of the 2024 college football season’s final stretch. The football world was taken aback when the Jim Thorpe Award committee left Hunter off the finalist list for the nation’s top defensive back.
While that’s done and dusted, the bigger question is whether Hunter has done enough to be crowned the Heisman Trophy winner on Dec. 14 in New York.
Paul Finebaum Goes All-In on Travis Hunter
ESPN analyst Paul Finebaum believes Hunter is the undisputed front-runner for the prestigious Heisman Trophy. “There is nothing more he can do,” Finebaum boldly stated on Get Up. “He’s the best everything in the country. As long as he plays a decent game today, he will win the Heisman Trophy.”
.@finebaum has called the Heisman race in favor of Travis Hunter 🏆 pic.twitter.com/csLpHzWyyz
— Get Up (@GetUpESPN) November 29, 2024
The 21-year-old Florida native has left fans and analysts speechless this season by dominating every facet of the game. He has 82 receptions for 1,036 yards and 11 touchdowns as a wide receiver, while notching 30 tackles, nine passes defended, one forced fumble, and three interceptions at cornerback. His versatility is unmatched at this point.
The 6’1″ junior has been the heartbeat of the Buffs, logging nearly every offensive and defensive snap this season. His skills and tenacity have kept the team in contention for the Big 12 championship and potentially a spot in the College Football Playoff.
Former NFL superstar and current Colorado head coach Deion Sanders, AKA Coach Prime, also made a public statement about the Jim Thorpe snub, calling it “the most idiotic thing in college football.” Sanders hinted at political maneuvering and scheduling conflicts as reasons for the omission.
“How in the world can you be up for Player of the Year, Defensive Player of the Year, but not the Thorpe?” Sanders questioned. In a video uploaded by Well Off Media, he elaborated further, stating, “It’s the threat. The threat alone changes the game — nobody wants to throw his way.”
Despite the Thorpe Award controversy, Hunter’s Heisman campaign remains strong. He’s also a Maxwell, Biletnikoff, and Chuck Bednarik Award finalist. Finebaum’s endorsement only adds to the growing buzz surrounding Hunter’s Heisman odds, which, fairly speaking, can only be challenged by one other player in college football — Boise State Broncos running back Ashton Jeanty.
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The Buffaloes will soon be on the field for their final regular-season game against the Oklahoma State Cowboys, giving Hunter another opportunity to leave a lasting impression.