Travis Hunter can officially call himself the best player in college football.
On Saturday Dec. 14, Travis Hunter was awarded the Heisman Trophy for the 2024 College Football season. Travis dominated both sides of the ball in a way that college football will never forget. On the offensive side, Hunter caught 92 receptions for 1,152 yards, 14 touchdowns, and a rushing score. On the defensive side, Hunter recorded four interceptions, 32 tackles, broke up 11 passes, and forced a crucial turnover to help the defense defeat Baylor in overtime in one of the most unforgettable plays of the season. Hunter played over 700 snaps and is the only player in the Power Four with more than 30 snaps on both sides of the ball.
“I think I laid the ground for more people to come in and go two ways,” he said Friday. “It starts with your mindset. If you believe you can do it, then you’ll be able to do it. And also, I do a lot of treatment. I keep up with my body. I get a lot of recovery.”
During his emotional acceptance speech, Hunter gave thanks to Coach Prime, his mother, his fiancé, and his father, Travis Hunter Sr., who couldn’t attend the ceremony. “Dad, I love you,” he said. “For all the struggles you went through… now look at your oldest son. I did it for you.” On Saturday Dec 14, Hunter became the first wide receiver to win the Heisman Trophy since Alabama’s DeVonta Smith in 2020. He is also the first defensive player to win since Michigan’s Charles Woodson in 1997, and the first Colorado player to win since running back Rashaan Salaam in 1994. He is also the first player to ever play at an HBCU and win the award as well.
Hunter narrowly defeated Ashton Jeanty to win the Heisman, winning the trophy by the slimmest margin since 2009. Travis received a total of 552 votes for first place votes, and Jeanty finished with 309. The two-way superstar is expected to be a top five pick and a possible top three pick. The Alamo Bowl in San Antonio, Texas, on December 28, will be Hunter and the 9-3 Colorado Buffaloes first bowl game under Coach Prime.
Hunter’s Heisman award solidifies his status as one of the most dynamic and iconic athletes in college football history. His domination on both sides of the ball has left a historic and unforgettable impression on the game.
