College football operates in a unique and unconventional way compared to other sports. Unlike the NFL, where players and teams are judged primarily by their statistical performance, college football incorporates subjective factors, leaving teams and individuals at the mercy of committees and voters. This week, the Miami Hurricanes felt the weight of this system, but players, too, can fall victim to its nuances.
One notable example is Shedeur Sanders, widely regarded as the best quarterback in college football. His peers, competitors, media, and scouts all agree on his exceptional talent. Yet, he has been excluded from contention for the prestigious Heisman Trophy, awarded annually to the best player in college football. This exclusion has puzzled many, including his teammate and Heisman front-runner Travis Hunter.
On his YouTube show, Travis Hunter voiced his confusion about Sanders’ absence from the Heisman race. He posed rhetorical questions, asking, “How can you be the top quarterback prospect in the NFL Draft and not even be considered for the Heisman? It doesn’t make sense.” Hunter also criticized the decision-makers responsible for such accolades.
Hunter himself is no stranger to these snubs, as he was left off the shortlist for the Jim Thorpe Award, given to the best defensive back in the country. He pointed out the irony, noting that the Heisman typically favors quarterbacks—only two non-quarterbacks have won the award since 2010. Despite this trend, Hunter and running back Ashton Jeanty have managed to break through as contenders, but the field remains dominated by quarterbacks. Hunter’s comments raise a question: does Sanders truly belong at the Heisman ceremony, or is this simply a teammate showing loyalty?
Shedeur Sanders’ Case for the Heisman Trophy
Sanders has been a standout player for Colorado, despite the team falling short of playoff contention. His individual statistics are remarkable, silencing critics who accuse him of benefiting from nepotism under the leadership of his father, Coach Deion Sanders.
Statistically, Sanders ranks first in the nation in completion rate, second in touchdown passes, third in passing yardage, and fifth in quarterback rating. No other quarterback ranks in the top 10 across all four categories, making Sanders’ achievements unparalleled. Furthermore, his popularity and the attention he has brought to college football add weight to his case. However, it appears that voters were hesitant to acknowledge two standout players from a non-playoff team like Colorado.
Hunter summed up the perceived injustice best, saying, “They’re all going to be mad because he’s still going to be there. If I get invited [to the Heisman ceremony], he gets invited. No matter if they didn’t invite him. If I walk on that stage, he might walk on that stage. At the end of the day, we both win.”
The Heisman ceremony is scheduled for December 14, leaving fans and critics to debate Sanders’ exclusion and whether it reflects a flaw in the award’s selection process.