On Tuesday, the Colorado Buffaloes official X (formerly known as Twitter) profile announced that standout dual-threat player Travis Hunter is a Maxwell Award Finalist this season. The award is a highly prestigious one and is presented to college football’s most outstanding player in that given year.
The award has been in circulation since 1937 and has been won by numerous Pro Football Hall of Fame inductees and current NFL superstars. Should Hunter become the latest winner, his name will be alongside others such as Barry Sanders, Peyton Manning, Drew Brees, Joe Burrow, Derrick Henry, and Lamar Jackson, to name a few.
Colorado Buffaloes Honor Travis Hunter With Social Media Post
In a photo released to social media Tuesday highlighting the wide receiver and cornerback, the Buffaloes’ official account also captioned the post with the phrase “1️⃣ of 1️⃣”.
1️⃣ of 1️⃣
Travis Hunter is a finalist for the Maxwell Award@TravisHunterJr x #HE12MAN pic.twitter.com/9i437YAumi
— Colorado Buffaloes Football (@CUBuffsFootball) November 26, 2024
The post shows how highly Hunter is thought of at the University of Colorado Boulder. His inclusion as a finalist for the Maxwell details the attention and appreciation other football coaches, programs, and media personalities have for the versatile athlete.
How Well Has Hunter Played This Season?
Despite the season not being completed yet, Hunter has posted ridiculous numbers in his junior year season, all while maintaining a 4.0 grade point average, according to head coach Deion Sanders.
Through Week 13, Hunter has totaled 82 receptions, resulting in 1,036 yards and 11 touchdowns on the season. He’s also added one rushing touchdown to his growing tally.
Defensively, Hunter’s elite footwork and anticipation while covering opposing wideouts have resulted in three interceptions and one forced fumble.
Meanwhile, Hunter is the current favorite for the Heisman Trophy and is widely considered by many, including Pro Football Network’s Dalton Miller, as the prospective No. 1 overall pick in the 2025 NFL Draft.
In his Top 100 Big Board, Miller detailed how Hunter “is one of one. If we had allowed ourselves to split the player into a cornerback and wide receiver, he would have ranked first and 12th, respectively.
“He’s the top cornerback in the NFL Draft, and he’s the second-best receiver. His rare ball skills as a wide receiver translate to the other side of the ball, and he’s played with more physicality in 2024 than in 2023.”
It’s clear that Hunter is having one of the best college football seasons in recent memory and is one of the most versatile and talented players in CFB history. Obviously, that has resulted in much praise and why it’s not surprising that he is a finalist for the Maxwell Award.