Travis Hunter: The Two-Way Phenomenon and Heisman Winner

Travis Hunter, a junior cornerback/wide receiver, etched his name in college football history. Hunter became the University of Colorado’s second Heisman Trophy winner. He was announced as the 90th winner of the Heisman Memorial Trophy in a season in which he also won the Walter Camp, Bednarik and Biletnikoff Awards. His exceptional talent and versatility have garnered widespread recognition, making him a standout player in the nation. This article delves into Hunter's remarkable career, statistics, and impact on college football.

A Historic Heisman Win

Hunter is Colorado’s first Heisman recipient since the late running back Rashaan Salaam (1994). He is the first full-time, two-way player to win the Heisman since the early 1960s and the first to win the award while playing significant minutes on both sides of the ball since Charles Woodson (1997). Hunter, also the fifth player to win the Heisman as a full-time receiver, received 2,231 points. Second-place Ashton Jeanty finished with 2,017 points while Dillon Gabriel had 516 and Cam Ward had 229. This historic achievement underscores his dual-threat capabilities and his significant impact on both offense and defense.

2024 Season Highlights

The 6-foot-1, 185-pounder from Suwanee, Ga., was the 2024 Big 12 Defensive Player of the Year and earned All-Big 12 first-team honors as both a defensive back and a wide receiver. Defensively, he had 31 tackles, 11 pass breakups, four interceptions, a conference-best 15 passes defended (tied for fifth nationally), and forced a game-winning fumble. Hunter also led the conference with 92 receptions and 14 receiving touchdowns while finishing with 1,152 receiving yards, second in the Big 12. Nationally, he is second in receiving touchdowns, fifth in receptions per game (7.7) and sixth in receiving yards per game (96.0). Hunter leads the country with 21 receiving plays for 20 yards or more. He twice had three touchdown receptions in a game, had 10 or more catches in a game three times and had 100 or more receiving yards in a game seven times. He showcased his exceptional skills throughout the season.

Statistical Dominance

Hunter’s 92 receptions and 1,152 receiving yards are both the second-most by a Heisman recipient behind Alabama’s 2020 winner DeVonta Smith’s 98 receptions for 1,511 yards. Hunter’s 14 TD catches trail only Smith and 1991 winner Desmond Howard (17) in Heisman-winning seasons. His receiving stats are among the best for any Heisman winner.

A Trailblazing Career Path

Hunter, who spent his freshman year at Jackson State, is the first Heisman winner to begin his career in the Football Championship Series (FCS). Hunter is also the first defensive back to finish in the top 5 since LSU CB Tyrann Mathieu (2011, fifth). Hunter’s Colorado head coach, Deion Sanders, finished eighth in the 1988 Heisman balloting as a Florida State cornerback. His unique journey from FCS to Heisman glory highlights his determination and talent.

NFL Draft and Future Prospects

Hunter was selected second overall in the 2025 NFL Draft by the Jacksonville Jaguars on April 24. This high draft selection is a testament to his potential and the impact he is expected to make at the professional level.

Analysis of Performance

Hunter's eighth 100-plus yard receiving outing this season wasn't enough to help carry what was a shaky Colorado passing attack against BYU. Hunter, the 2024 Heisman winner, reeled in 96 catches for 1,258 yards and 15 scores while playing starting cornerback all season long. Hunter captivated the country in 2023 while playing both sides of the ball with significant snaps at defensive back and wide receiver. There was a lot of conversation surrounding whether he could hold up during the season playing that many snaps. Despite missing three games after leaving early in Week 3 against Colorado State, Hunter still finished with 57 catches on 77 targets for 721 yards and five touchdowns, so there's certainly room for growth on his final line. The team brought in wideout reinforcements in Florida Atlantic's Lajohntay Westerand Vanderbilt's Will Sheppard, but Xavier Weaver also departs, and Wester seems more likely to take over the slot from Jimmy Horn. The team may also employ four-wide sets.

Impact at Colorado

Hunter elected to follow coach Deion Sanders to Colorado, this renewing the QB-WR tandem of Hunter and Sedeur Sanders. Hunter enjoyed limited success as a freshman, but he’s expected to line up opposite Jimmy Horn, and could also see time as a two-way player. Hunter tallied 10 receptions (on 15 targets) for 116 yards and three touchdowns during Friday's 52-0 win over Oklahoma State. Hunter reeled in 5 of 8 targets for 55 yards during Saturday's 49-24 win versus Utah. At Colorado, Hunter revived the Buffaloes from a one-win season before he got there to a 13-12 record across his final two seasons.

High School Career

Travis Hunter, a native of Suwanee, Georgia, attended Jackson State out of high school as the highest-rated signee in JSU history. Per 247Sports, Hunter signed with Jackson State with a National Signing Day flip from Florida State, making history as the first-ever five-star high school prospect to sign with an FCS football program. Hunter was the No. 1 overall recruit in the country in the class of 2022 as an athlete, playing wide receiver and cornerback. Hunter stuffed the stat sheet during his high school career at Collins Hill High School. Across 40 games, he caught 272 passes for 3,963 yards and 48 touchdowns, rushing for two touchdowns and passing for three touchdowns. Hunter set new records for Gwinnett County for receptions, receiving yards, and receiving touchdowns. As a junior, he helped Collins Hill reach the state championship game while being named MaxPreps Georgia Player of the Year. As a senior, he led Collins Hill to a 15-1 record and a state title.

Stan Becton's Perspective

Stan Becton joined NCAA.com in 2021 and has since served as a college football, FCS football, track and field, cross country and HBCU beat reporter. He has covered numerous NCAA championship events, including the FCS Championship, DI Track & Field Championships and Men's Frozen Four. Additionally, he has covered the College Football Playoff and HBCU sporting events like the Celebration Bowl, MEAC/SWAC Challenge and Legacy Classic. Stan graduated from Carnegie Mellon University, earning a degree in Professional Writing and playing football as a five-year letterman.

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