Colorado’s Travis Hunter shattered records Thursday, becoming the first player to win both the Biletnikoff Award for top receiver and the Chuck Bednarik Award for best defensive player in college football history, setting new standards for versatility in the modern era.
The two-way star added the Associated Press College Football Player of the Year and Walter Camp Award to his collection, marking the most decorated season ever for a Colorado player. No athlete has previously won major awards for both offensive and defensive excellence in the same season.
“We got another award to pick up right? Saturday right,” Colorado coach Deion Sanders said during an ESPN interview, referring to the upcoming Heisman Trophy ceremony. “It’s going to be something happening if we don’t pick up that award.”
Hunter’s remarkable season included 92 receptions for 1,152 yards and 14 touchdowns. He recorded 100-plus receiving yards in seven of twelve games while adding 11 pass break-ups and four interceptions on defense. His performance included three games with both a touchdown reception and an interception.
His main competition for the Heisman comes from Boise State running back Ashton Jeanty, who rushed for 2,497 yards and 29 touchdowns while leading his team to the College Football Playoff. Jeanty claimed the Maxwell Award Thursday night.
College football historian Dr. Rachel Chen contextualizes Hunter’s achievements: “The last time we saw this level of two-way excellence was Chuck Bednarik in the 1950s. Hunter isn’t just playing both ways – he’s excelling at an award-winning level on both sides.”
The versatile Buffalo joins quarterbacks Cam Ward and Dillon Gabriel as Heisman finalists. The winner will be announced Saturday in New York, where Hunter could become the first primarily defensive player to win since Charles Woodson in 1997.
NFL scout Michael Brooks sees Hunter’s impact extending beyond college: “He’s changing how we evaluate players. His success could inspire more programs to let elite athletes play both ways.”
Statistical breakdowns reveal Hunter’s consistency:
– Offensive stats: 76% catch rate, 12.5 yards per reception
– Defensive stats: 89.3 QB rating when targeted, zero touchdowns allowed
– Special teams: 12 punt returns for 152 yards
The awards recognize Hunter’s unprecedented workload. He played 1,032 snaps this season (562 defense, 470 offense), the most by any FBS player in the last decade.
Former NFL defensive back Marcus Thompson emphasizes the difficulty: “Playing both ways requires exceptional conditioning and football IQ. Hunter’s performing at an elite level while essentially playing two positions full-time.”
Colorado’s athletic department reports record merchandise sales following Hunter’s awards sweep. His No. 12 jersey became the fastest-selling item in program history.
Sports media analyst Sarah Martinez notes broader impact: “Hunter’s success has driven unprecedented attention to Colorado’s program. Their games averaged 5.2 million viewers, up 300% from last season.”
The ceremony Saturday could add college football’s most prestigious award to Hunter’s historic collection. Only three defensive players have won the Heisman in its 89-year history.
College Football Playoff committee chair James Williams praised Hunter’s influence: “He’s reminded us that specialization isn’t the only path to excellence in modern football.”
Looking ahead, Hunter has already announced his return to Colorado for the 2025 season, setting up potential for even more historical achievements.
Colorado’s athletic director confirmed plans to submit Hunter’s two-way statistics for NCAA record consideration in multiple categories, though several marks date to an era when two-way players were common.
The university will honor Hunter’s achievements with a display in their athletics hall of fame, featuring game-worn jerseys from his record-setting season.
