Travis Hunter is ascending beyond the hopes of being a college football star, running at the forefront of the Heisman race, and is projected among the top draft picks in the 2025 NFL Draft. The Colorado Buffaloes’ two-way sensation has captured the nation’s attention with his stats and versatile nature of gameplay, and he has one person to thank for it: Deion Sanders, aka Coach Prime.
Travis Hunter Credits Coach Prime for Unmatched Support
During his interview with Kevin Negandhi on “SportsCenter,” he opened up about the pressure he faced as a high schooler before his leap to college football.
“Going from high school to college, a young kid, 18 years old, trying to go to college and thinking he can do everything, but sometimes it gets hard. It’s a lot of pressure,” Hunter admitted, describing the high expectations.
He described how crucial Deion Sanders was in shaping his mindset.
“He had my confidence level go up a lot,” Hunter said. Negandhi chimed back, saying, “It’s great to have a coach with his credentials in your ear, giving you that confidence.”
Hunter has made his case with 1,152 receiving yards, 14 touchdowns, and a commanding presence on defense. It’s no wonder he’s the Heisman frontrunner, leaving Boise State Broncos RB Ashton Jeanty and a handful of quarterbacks playing catch-up.
Hunter is on the brink of Heisman glory, a momentous step for Colorado and Coach Prime’s program. However, with his dual-threat powers and drive, both Heisman voters and NFL scouts are noticing Hunter, and one man to thank is Coach Prime.
Deion Sanders, Colorado Take Hunter’s Heisman Campaign to Next Level
Hunter’s Heisman hype just hit a new level as Coach Prime tries to make it unforgettable. After wrapping up a successful season, Hunter delivered one of his finest games with 116 receiving yards, three touchdowns, and an interception in Colorado’s 52-0 dismantling of the Oklahoma State Cowboys. Although the Buffs’ playoff hopes are officially off the table, Hunter’s campaign is very much alive — and now it’s plastered all over Times Square.
On Dec. 4, CU Buffs Football dropped a video on Instagram that sent fans buzzing. The clip showed towering billboards in the heart of New York City, celebrating Hunter as a two-way sensation in college football.
One ad had him striking the iconic Heisman pose with the words, “TRAVIS HUNTER IS HIM,” courtesy of Boost Mobile. Another declared him “THE MOST OUTSTANDING PLAYER IN COLLEGE FOOTBALL,” flaunting his unreal versatility as both a lockdown corner and an unstoppable wide receiver.
The creativity was received by the man himself. Meanwhile, Sanders didn’t stop there. With Shedeur Sanders, his own son, seemingly overlooked for the Heisman, Coach Prime went all in on Hunter’s campaign as it’s a move that mirrors Shedeur’s Nike NIL debut in Times Square earlier this year — but this time with all eyes on Travis.
Now, the question isn’t just about who’s deserving — it’s about how much more Hunter can achieve; with this latest show, Prime Time ensures everyone knows Hunter’s name.