Travis Hunter turned college football into his personal highlight reel in 2024, dazzling fans and dominating opponents on both sides of the ball. On Saturday night, the Colorado Buffaloes’ two-way star was rewarded for his relentless brilliance, winning the Heisman Trophy and cementing his place in the sport’s history.
Hunter became just the second player in Colorado history to claim the prestigious award, joining the late Rashaan Salaam, who won in 1994. With a commanding 552 first-place votes and 2,231 points, Hunter edged Boise State running back Ashton Jeanty in one of the closest races in recent Heisman history. Jeanty, who earned 309 first-place votes and 2,017 points, pushed Hunter to the wire in a finish reminiscent of Mark Ingram’s narrow win over Toby Gerhart in 2009.
Hunter’s 80.14% of possible points ranks as the 11th-highest in Heisman history. He also joined Michigan’s Charles Woodson (1997) as the only full-time defensive players to win the award. But Hunter’s Heisman campaign stood apart as he played significantly more snaps on offense than Woodson, amassing statistics on both sides of the ball that left voters in awe.
A junior from Suwanee, Georgia, the 6-foot-1, 185-pound Hunter was a revelation under head coach Deion Sanders. As a wide receiver, Hunter hauled in 92 catches for 1,152 yards and 14 touchdowns, adding a rushing score for good measure. On defense, he was equally electrifying, recording four interceptions, 32 tackles, 11 pass breakups, and a game-saving forced fumble in an overtime thriller against Baylor.
Playing an astonishing 1,356 total snaps—84% of Colorado’s plays—Hunter demonstrated unrivaled stamina and versatility. He logged 687 snaps on offense and 669 on defense, outpacing every other FBS player by 434 snaps. His ability to make big plays in key moments became a hallmark of his game, whether he was striking the Heisman pose after touchdowns or locking down elite receivers.
Hunter’s standout performances propelled Colorado to a 9-3 record and their first bowl appearance in four years. The Buffaloes’ turnaround under Sanders—from 4-8 in 2023—was one of college football’s best stories, and Hunter was the central figure in their rise. Colorado, now ranked No. 23, will face No. 17 BYU in the Valero Alamo Bowl on Dec. 28.
Hunter’s Heisman win capped a week of accolades. He was named the Associated Press Player of the Year and won the Walter Camp Award (national player of the year), the Chuck Bednarik Award (top defensive player), and the Fred Biletnikoff Award (best wide receiver).
His dynamic performances not only led Colorado to success but also captivated fans nationwide. Starting the season as a long-shot Heisman contender with 75-1 odds, Hunter quickly emerged as the favorite, turning in game-changing plays week after week.
Projected as the No. 1 overall pick in the 2025 NFL Draft by ESPN analyst Mel Kiper Jr., Hunter has already announced that he will skip his senior season at Colorado. However, he has committed to playing in the Alamo Bowl, declining to sit out in preparation for the draft, a decision that underscores his competitive spirit.
Hunter’s impact extends beyond statistics. Under the tutelage of Deion Sanders, he redefined what’s possible for a two-way player in modern college football. His season-long excellence not only brought prime-time attention to Colorado but also set a new standard for versatility in the sport.
As he joins the ranks of Heisman greats, Travis Hunter’s legacy is just beginning. From Boulder to the NFL, his star is only set to rise higher.
