With college football entering Week 13, the race for the Heisman Trophy is also heating up, with Colorado Buffaloes two-way star Travis Hunter leading it. Hunter, who will declare for the 2025 NFL Draft, has received plaudits from all corners for his two-way ability both on offense and defense as a wide receiver and cornerback.
The latest to join is former Heisman winner Johnny Manziel, who thinks Hunter is doing something unprecedented in football.
Johnny Manziel Thinks Travis Hunter’s Unprecedented 2-Way Abilities Will Transition to NFL
Manziel, the 2012 Heisman winner, was a guest on The Rich Eisen Show, where he discussed Hunter and whether he’ll be able to translate his form into a more physical NFL.
“We haven’t seen anything like this. We haven’t seen a guy playing 100 snaps a game — 50 on offense and 50 on defense — and really making an impact on both sides of the ball. I think you see it almost every single week. This guy is going to be something special, especially when he gets to the next level,” Manziel said.
Adding to the conversation, Rich Eisen highlighted the physicality that Hunter will have to endure when he turns pro. Eisen believes it will be a difficult transition for the Colorado star, but Manziel says, if there’s one person who can do it, it’s Hunter.
“He’s so incredibly talented. I would vote for him for the Heisman,” Manziel added.
🔥 The Heisman. @JManziel2 and Rich Eisen talk @TravisHunterJr
"Watching Travis is like watching a unicorn. We haven't seen anything like this. He is going to be something special at the next level. I think Deion is building him for that purpose"#skobuffs
📽️ @RichEisenShow pic.twitter.com/2m5KU1kXnl— JaKi 🇺🇸 (@JaKiTruth) November 19, 2024
Hunter Leads Odds To Win Heisman
Hunter’s Buffaloes have two more games remaining on their regular-season schedule before a potential Big 12 Championship Game and the decisive bowl games. At the moment, Hunter has a firm grip on the Heisman Trophy, as he has +125 odds to win it.
- Travis Hunter, Colorado Buffaloes, WR/CB: +125 odds
- Dillon Gabriel, Oregon Ducks, QB: +275 odds
- Ashton Jeanty, Boise State Broncos, RB: +600 odds
- Cam Ward, Miami Hurricanes, QB: +850 odds
- Kurtis Rourke, Indiana Hoosiers, QB: +1500 odds
If he puts up consistent performances in the final two games of the season — against Kansas and Oklahoma State — not only would Hunter help himself to his chance at a Heisman Trophy but would also likely lead Colorado to the Big 12 Championship Game. A win there would see the Buffaloes in the College Football Playoff.