Earlier in the week, NFL legends Shannon Sharpe and Chad Johnson discussed the Travis Hunter vs. Ashton Jeanty Heisman Trophy debate. On the popular Nightcap podcast, both men explained that though Hunter and Jeanty had strong campaigns, the former was more deserving of college football’s top individual honor.
From a team perspective, both Hunter and Jeanty have been instrumental in their respective programs’ success this year. For Hunter, he was crucial in his Colorado Buffaloes finishing with a much improved fourth position in the Big 12 conference and holding a 9-3 overall record.
Meanwhile, Jeanty was one of the main reasons behind the Boise State Broncos going 12-1 on the campaign and topping the Mountain West conference.
What Did Chad Johnson Say About the Heisman Trophy Debate?
Johnson explained that he believed Hunter was more deserving of this year’s Heisman Trophy by detailing how numerous other players in college football history have had 2,000-yard rushing seasons, including Baltimore Ravens running back Derrick Henry and San Francisco 49ers Christian McCaffrey.
Yet, he also mentioned how Hunter’s season has been something that is almost unheard of and “hasn’t been done before” on the level he has done it.
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Who Is More Deserving of the Heisman Trophy This Year?
As of right now, Hunter is the favorite to win this season’s Heisman Trophy. Still, based on pure statistics alone, it’s clear that both individuals are worthy of praise and attention for their efforts this year.
The dual-threat Hunter has been dominant on both the offensive and defensive sides of the ball this year for the Buffaloes. Offensively, he finished with 92 receptions, 1,152 receiving yards, and 15 total touchdowns on the season. Defensively, he had four interceptions and one forced fumble on the campaign.
In Pro Football Network’s recent 2025 NFL Mock Draft completed by Jacob Infante, Hunter was selected No. 1 overall by the Jacksonville Jaguars.
As Infante outlines, “The Jacksonville Jaguars have the quarterback position figured out, but they have significant holes on both sides of the ball. Why not improve both your offense and defense in one pick?
“Travis Hunter is a rare two-way talent who has a high ceiling at both cornerback and wide receiver. I project him best as a full-time corner with occasional snaps on offense, as his elite ball skills and fluidity would provide for an easier path to an All-Pro career. His playmaking ability, elite stamina, and instincts in zone coverage could see him leading the NFL in interceptions at some point in his career.”
Meanwhile, Jeanty had one of the most impressive college football seasons in recent memory. On the year, he finished with 2,497 rushing yards, 29 touchdowns on the ground, and averaged a remarkable 7.3 yards per rush attempt. Through the air, he added 116 yards and another touchdown to his tallies.
In his mock, Infante has Jeanty being selected No. 13 overall by the Dallas Cowboys come next April.
Infante explains how “It seems a little too easy pairing the blue-chip running back prospect with the big-market team that desperately needs a running back, but that’s what you have with the Dallas Cowboys as a landing spot for Ashton Jeanty in the 2025 NFL Draft.
“From his ball-carrier vision to his contact balance, his agility in space to his passing-down value, Jeanty is really the total package at running back. He’s a top-15 player in this draft class; it’s just a matter of whether or not a team will put the trigger earlier than this on a player who plays this position.”
Though it remains to be definitively seen who wins this year’s Heisman Trophy, it’s clear that both individuals have had strong campaigns and are deserving of their recognition from around the football world.