The clock is ticking down to the Heisman Trophy verdict, with the finalists revealed on Monday. The list includes Colorado dual-threat Travis Hunter, Boise State running back Ashton Jeanty, Miami quarterback Cam Ward, and Oregon quarterback Dillon Gabriel.
With the results to be announced on Saturday, Dec. 14, the players are on the edge of their seats and each fanbase is campaigning for their superstar. Among the supporters are each candidate’s teammates.
Travis Hunter Makes Case for Heisman Trophy
On Tuesday’s episode of “The Pivot Podcast,” the Big 12 Defensive Player of the Year spoke confidently about his Heisman chances:
“I definitely believe I deserve to win it. What player you know can play receiver, get double-teamed, still get 1,000 yards, and the gameplan is about you on the offensive side of the ball,” Hunter said. “And then you go to the defensive side of the ball, and the gameplan is still about you. … Defense is way harder than catching the ball on offense. I had butterfingers on defense the last couple of games. Still was able to come back with one more before the season ended. I definitely think I should win it. You’ve never seen a player like me.”
Colorado quarterback Shedeur Sanders issued a one-word reaction to his wide receiver.
“Legendary.”
LEGENDARY 💯 https://t.co/CxH6deMgX7
— Shedeur Sanders (@ShedeurSanders) December 11, 2024
In 2024, Hunter generated 92 catches for 1,152 yards and 14 touchdowns, plus four interceptions, 11 pass breakups, and 32 tackles. He played 1,443 snaps – 709 on offense, 713 on defense, and 21 on special teams in what amounted to a truly special season.
But for the Heisman frontrunner, it’s not just about the numbers.
“It’s kind of crazy. They always talk about, ‘he playing a lot of snaps.’ But if you actually look at the game, you know, instead of the highlights, you see I’m always out there running 100 percent,” Hunter said. “It’s a lot of stats out there just hustle plays that you don’t get to see. You know I’m out there running people down there trying to you know put in all my effort, and then I come back, and the next play I’m fully energized to do it again. There’s not a lot of people that can do that.”
Given Hunter’s abilities on both offense and defense, he is a favorite to be among the top picks in the 2025 NFL Draft. In Pro Football Network’s latest mock, the Jacksonville Jaguars pick him first, adding an elite playmaker on both sides of the ball and starting Hunter’s professional career where he left off — at the top.