While much of Colorado’s success this year could be attributed to Coach Prime and his son, quarterback Shedeur Sanders, it can be argued that the true star of the Buffaloes’ improved campaign turned out to be Travis Hunter. This is reflected in the dual-threat’s Heisman Trophy win.
A consensus five-star prospect out of Collins High School in Suwanee, Georgia, Hunter hoisted the award with 552 first-place votes. The runner-up, Boise State’s Ashton Jeanty, who finished with 309 first-place votes, finished just 214 total points behind — the smallest margin in 15 years.
Hunter was obviously ecstatic and received recognition from his loved ones after it was announced.
Travis Hunter’s Fiancée’s Message After Dual-Threat’s Heisman Win
Hunter’s 2024 had a touch of lady luck in it. Even though the Colorado star won the highest honor a college athlete can have to his name, he also proposed to his long-time love, Leanna Lenee, in February, to which she said yes.
Hunter and Lenee began dating in 2022 when he was a high school senior, and she was nearing the completion of her nursing degree at Kennesaw State University. The two share a YouTube channel with more than 100,000 subscribers, sharing lifestyle videos.
Lenee posted a fun five-word message for his Heisman win on Saturday night, accompanied by a picture of him holding the trophy.
“THEY MAD MAKE THEM MADDERRRRERR!!!!”
The other Heisman finalists included Miami quarterback Cam Ward from Miami and QB Dillon Gabriel from Oregon. Gabriel finished third, while Ward came in fourth.
Hunter also won several other awards, placing his Heisman Trophy alongside honors such as the AP Player of the Year, the Bednarik Award, and the Biletnikoff Award.
After winning the Heisman, Hunter became the first player in over 20 years to win the prestigious award while playing on both sides of the ball, following Michigan’s Charles Woodson, who did so in 1997.
This season, Hunter recorded 1,152 yards and 14 touchdowns on offense while making 31 tackles, 11 passes defensed, and one forced fumble to go along with four interceptions.
Hunter’s 92 receptions led the Big 12. His receiving yards were sixth, and his touchdowns were second nationally following the regular season. He also garnered an FBS-leading 21 catches of 20+ yards.
Though he’s a junior, Hunter has unsurprisingly announced that he will declare for the 2025 NFL Draft. As of now, he’s projected to be a top selection. In fact, PFN’s latest mock draft has him going No. 5 overall to the Jacksonville Jaguars.