Travis Hunter, the standout two-way player from Colorado, has won the 2024 Heisman Trophy, becoming the first non-quarterback to claim the award in four years. Hunter’s dynamic play on both offense and defense set him apart from his competitors, including Boise State’s Ashton Jeanty, Oregon quarterback Dillon Gabriel, and Miami quarterback Cam Ward.
The final voting was incredibly close. Hunter received 552 first-place votes and earned 2,231 points, narrowly beating Jeanty, who finished with 309 first-place votes and 2,017 points. This tight margin made it the closest Heisman race since 2009, when Mark Ingram edged past Toby Gerhart for the award.
Hunter’s versatility this season has been unmatched. He delivered as both a wide receiver and defensive back, a rarity in modern college football. Offensively, Hunter recorded 92 receptions for 1,152 yards and 14 touchdowns, with one additional score on the ground. Defensively, he pulled in four interceptions, broke up 11 passes, and recorded 32 tackles. His ability to excel at such a high level in two demanding roles is unprecedented in recent years.
Despite missing parts of two games due to a shoulder injury, Hunter’s impact on Colorado was undeniable. His most memorable performances included key plays that secured wins for the Buffaloes. Against Baylor, he forced a critical fumble in overtime to seal the victory. Later in the season, he dazzled with 10 catches, 116 yards, and three touchdowns in a decisive win over Oklahoma State.
Hunter’s journey to the Heisman Trophy has been anything but conventional. A Georgia native and the nation’s top recruit in 2022, Hunter shocked college football by choosing to play at Jackson State under head coach Deion Sanders. After one season there, Hunter transferred to Colorado, following Sanders to the Buffaloes program. In just two seasons, Hunter has become the face of Colorado football and one of the most talked-about players in the country.
Playing both ways in a single game is challenging enough, but Hunter’s sustained excellence across an entire season has drawn comparisons to legends like Charles Woodson and Champ Bailey. While Woodson won the Heisman in 1997 for his work primarily on defense with occasional offensive contributions, Hunter’s offensive production far exceeded those benchmarks. His 14 receiving touchdowns and 1,152 yards rank among the best in the nation, making him a true dual threat.
Hunter’s season also coincided with a resurgence for Colorado. After a difficult 2023 campaign, the Buffaloes finished the regular season with a 9-3 record and earned a bowl berth for the first time in years. Hunter played a critical role in the team’s turnaround, pairing his talents with quarterback Shedeur Sanders to bring Colorado back into national prominence.
In his acceptance speech, Hunter expressed gratitude to his family, teammates, coaches, and supporters. He acknowledged the hard work and belief that helped him reach this moment, saying, “Belief takes you a long way.”
Hunter has already announced that this will be his final college season, as he plans to declare for the 2025 NFL Draft. Scouts project him as a top-five selection, with teams eager to capitalize on his unique skill set. Whether he focuses on wide receiver or defensive back at the professional level, his future in the NFL looks exceptionally bright.
Before he heads to the draft, fans will get one final opportunity to see Hunter in action. Colorado is set to face BYU in the Alamo Bowl on December 28, and Hunter has committed to playing alongside his teammates.
Travis Hunter’s Heisman win marks the culmination of a season that defied conventional limits. His contributions on both sides of the ball, combined with his unwavering determination, have redefined what a college football player can achieve.
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