Travis Hunter has emerged as one of the most dynamic and influential players in college football this season. His exceptional performances have cemented his reputation as one of the sport’s most electrifying athletes.
Hunter finds himself in contention for the Heisman Trophy alongside other standout players such as Ashton Jeanty, Dillon Gabriel, and Cam Ward. Among these contenders, Hunter and Jeanty are considered the frontrunners with the strongest odds to claim the prestigious honor.
Colorado’s Heisman Trophy History
Only one player from the University of Colorado has ever won the Heisman Trophy. Rashaan Salaam achieved this milestone in 1994, delivering one of the most remarkable seasons in college football history. That year, Salaam amassed 2,349 total yards and scored 24 touchdowns, leading the Buffaloes to an 11-1 record and a No. 3 ranking in the final AP poll.
The Best Player in College Football.
Travis Hunter. #Big12FB | #HE12MAN 🦬 pic.twitter.com/XEKiZc0xtL
— Big 12 Conference (@Big12Conference) December 14, 2024
Salaam’s Heisman-winning season was highlighted by his 2,055 rushing yards and 24 touchdowns, achieved while averaging an impressive 6.9 yards per carry. Among his standout performances was a 232-yard, three-touchdown effort against Kansas. In the regular-season finale against Iowa State, Salaam further solidified his legacy by rushing for 259 yards, including a memorable 67-yard touchdown run. This performance made him Colorado’s first player to surpass 2,000 rushing yards in a season.
In addition to Salaam, Colorado has produced two other Heisman finalists. Quarterback Darian Hagan finished fifth in the voting in 1989, while running back Eric Bieniemy, Colorado’s all-time leading rusher, finished third in 1990, the same year the Buffaloes won their only national championship.
If Travis Hunter wins the Heisman, he would become the second Colorado player to claim the award, further solidifying the program’s legacy.
Travis Hunter’s Historic Season
Travis Hunter’s 2024 season has been defined by his versatility and endurance. He was named the Big 12 Defensive Player of the Year and also earned a first-team All-Big 12 selection as a wide receiver, an impressive dual honor that underscores his impact on both sides of the ball.
Hunter played a staggering 672 snaps on offense and 688 snaps on defense, demonstrating unparalleled stamina and skill. He made history as the first player to win both the Chuck Bednarik Award, given to the best defensive player, and the Fred Biletnikoff Award, recognizing the top wide receiver, in the same season.
On offense, Hunter recorded 92 receptions for 1,152 yards and 14 touchdowns, setting a new single-season receiving record for Colorado. On defense, he allowed just 22 receptions while recording four interceptions and breaking up 11 passes.
Hunter also achieved several notable milestones. He became the first FBS player in over 25 years to score three touchdowns and record an interception in the same game. In a game against Utah, he combined 50 receiving yards, a rushing touchdown, and an interception—a feat previously accomplished only by NFL legend Champ Bailey.
Hunter’s Next Steps and the Heisman Ceremony
Travis Hunter is set to play his final college game in the Alamo Bowl on Dec. 28 before declaring for the NFL Draft, where he is expected to be a top prospect.
The 2024 Heisman Trophy ceremony will take place on Saturday, Dec. 14, at 8 p.m. ET at Lincoln Center in New York City