The Oregon Duck mascot has made it clear who he believes should win the Heisman Trophy this year, and it isn’t Colorado’s standout star Travis Hunter. Instead, the Oregon Duck is backing Boise State running back Ashton Jeanty for the prestigious award, a stance that was shared on “The Pat McAfee Show” on Thursday.
The playful endorsement caught the attention of Colorado head coach Deion Sanders’ son, Deion Sanders Jr., who wasn’t too pleased when he saw the mascot’s opinion circulating on social media.
Deion Sanders Jr. took to Twitter to express his frustration, questioning why the Oregon Duck was even talking about Colorado after their decisive loss to Oregon last year. “Y’all are #1 in the nation & y’all whooped our (expletive) last year… why tf is bro on there worried about us? (Expletive) weird as hell,” Sanders Jr. tweeted, making it clear that he found the Duck’s focus on Colorado peculiar given the Ducks’ dominance over the Buffaloes in the past.
The discussion over the Heisman Trophy has intensified as both Ashton Jeanty and Travis Hunter have made compelling cases for themselves. Jeanty has been an unstoppable force for Boise State, establishing himself as the top running back in the country.
He has rushed for an impressive 2,288 yards and scored 28 touchdowns this season, putting up numbers that have made him a standout candidate for the Heisman. Jeanty’s dominant performance has also positioned him as the likely first running back to be taken in the 2025 NFL Draft.
Meanwhile, Travis Hunter has continued to prove why he is one of the most versatile players in college football. Hunter, who plays on both sides of the ball, has had an outstanding season for Colorado.
As a wide receiver, Hunter has caught 92 passes for 1,152 yards and 14 touchdowns. His contributions on defense have been just as impactful, as he has recorded 31 tackles, 11 passes defended, and four interceptions. Hunter’s incredible versatility and athleticism make him a unique talent, and he has been a major factor in Colorado’s improvement this year.
The Buffaloes have shown significant progress, bouncing back from a disappointing 4-win season in 2023, and Hunter’s playmaking ability has been instrumental in their turnaround.
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The endorsement from the Oregon Duck was all in good fun, but it added another layer to the already heated Heisman debate. Jeanty and Hunter both have legitimate claims to the award, and their performances have been nothing short of remarkable.
While Jeanty is a powerhouse on the ground, Hunter’s dual-threat abilities make him a standout candidate, and his impact on both offense and defense sets him apart from many other players.
The 2024 Heisman Trophy ceremony is set to air on ESPN at 8 p.m. ET on December 14, and college football fans are eagerly awaiting the announcement. The battle between Jeanty and Hunter for the coveted trophy will be one of the main storylines leading up to the event, as both players have proven they are deserving of the honor.
Regardless of who takes home the Heisman, it is clear that both Jeanty and Hunter have left their mark on this college football season and are destined for bright futures at the next level.
For now, Deion Sanders Jr.’s comments serve as a reminder of the intense rivalries and competitive spirit that define college football.
The playful back-and-forth between teams and players only adds to the excitement as the season draws to a close, and fans can look forward to an unforgettable Heisman Trophy ceremony that celebrates the best of college football.
