Colorado two-way star Travis Hunter has firmly positioned himself as a contender for the prestigious Heisman Trophy, thanks to his standout performances on both sides of the ball. To date, Hunter has showcased his versatility by catching 49 passes for 587 yards and six touchdowns on offense, while also excelling as a defensive force, racking up 17 tackles, two interceptions, three pass breakups, and one forced fumble at cornerback.
His impressive stats have made him a projected first-round NFL draft pick.
However, Hunter’s Heisman campaign recently hit a roadblock when he injured his shoulder in a tough loss to Kansas State. While there’s hope he’ll return to the field for Colorado’s upcoming game against Arizona, the injury has raised concerns about whether he can maintain his momentum.
Missing more time could make it even harder for him to close the gap on current Heisman frontrunner, Boise State running back Ashton Jeanty.
RELATED: Travis Hunter Makes Strong Argument for His Heisman Candidacy
Adding another layer of complexity to his Heisman bid is the possibility that Hunter’s close association with Colorado head coach Deion Sanders could impact his chances. During an appearance on the Outta Pocket with RGIII podcast this week, Hunter acknowledged that some people’s dislike for Sanders could play a role in how voters view his candidacy.
“I feel like that too,” Hunter said, referring to the possibility that animosity toward Sanders might hurt his Heisman chances. “I told him that, but I don’t want to talk about that because it will probably hinder me some more,” he added with a laugh, suggesting he’s aware of the potential challenges but trying to keep his focus on the field.
Despite this concern, Hunter remains confident that his versatility and unique impact on both offense and defense make him stand out among the Heisman contenders. “They’ve got to understand that nobody did anything that I’ve done and put up the numbers that I have put up on both sides of the ball,” Hunter explained. “I want them to understand that.”
When asked if he believes he can win the Heisman, Hunter expressed belief in his abilities but acknowledged the competition. “I know I can win it, but I don’t know who’s there,” he said. “I mean y’all see Ashton Jeanty, it’s not like we haven’t seen a running back that’s good. We haven’t seen a player that plays both ways and I’m gonna keep saying that.”
Hunter’s point is clear: While Jeanty’s exceptional play as a running back has drawn attention, Hunter’s rare ability to excel as both a receiver and a cornerback sets him apart. His dual-threat skill set is something rarely seen in college football, making him a unique candidate in the Heisman race.
The 2024 Heisman Trophy ceremony is scheduled for Saturday, Dec. 14 at 8 p.m. ET, and with weeks of football still to be played, Hunter’s path to the award will depend not only on his continued health and performance but also on how voters weigh his historic versatility against the more traditional dominance of other contenders like Jeanty.
While Hunter may face external obstacles, including perceptions tied to Sanders, his on-field accomplishments are likely to keep him in the conversation as the season progresses.
