In the world of college football, the Heisman Trophy is awarded to the best player in the nation, a distinction that has historically gone to players who dominate in one particular aspect of the game. However, in the 2024 season, one player stood out not only for his sheer talent but for his ability to impact the game in a way that no one else could: Travis Hunter, the standout cornerback and wide receiver for the Colorado Buffaloes.
While others may have put up gaudy stats or had a flashier season, Hunter’s versatility, unmatched skills, and leadership on both sides of the ball made him an ideal candidate for the Heisman. His two-way ability and dominance is something that hasn’t been seen since Charles Woodson, yet he did it on way more snaps and at way more of a sustained level than Woodson, who also won Heisman for the Michigan Wolverines back in 1997.
Travis Hunter’s ability to play both ways—at cornerback and wide receiver—set him apart from every other player in college football this season. It’s a rarity to see a player take on significant roles on both sides of the ball, and Hunter did so with remarkable success. On offense, he was a dynamic wide receiver capable of making explosive plays, while on defense, he was a lockdown corner, shutting down some of the best receivers in the country.
As a wide receiver, Hunter was a constant deep threat. He made spectacular catches, routinely put up big yards, and was a key component of Colorado’s passing attack. He finished the season with impressive statistics, including multiple 100-yard games and several highlight-reel touchdowns. His ability to make contested catches and stretch the field added another layer of dimension to Colorado’s offense, making him one of the most feared players in the country. Hunter had a whopping 92 receptions for 1,152 yards and 14 TDs this year, while dominating in the Big 12 and leading Colorado to a 9-3 record.
On the defensive side, Hunter was equally dominant. His ball skills were second to none—he regularly disrupted passing lanes and made crucial interceptions. His physicality, combined with his elite football IQ, allowed him to guard the opposing team’s best wide receivers, often in man-to-man coverage, where he could shut them down with ease. Hunter’s versatility as a cornerback and his ability to play off the ball showcased a level of skill few players in college football possess.
However, despite all of this, many fans and voters believed second place, Ashton Jeanty deserved the Heisman over Hunter, as they believed the season Jeanty had as a running back for Boise State, rushing for 2497 yards and 29 touchdowns was greater. Jeanty led Boise to the 3rd seed in the College Football Playoffs as well, and many believed he was the one who deserved the award, as they thought Travis was only getting the attention because of his coach, Hall of Famer Deion Sanders and the media.
In my opinion, Ashton Jeanty is phenomenal and had one of the best RB seasons ever, but Travis was a top 5 WR and CB simultaneously this season, something that has never been done before. You legit just don’t understand the physical toll it takes to play that many snaps and be that effective at the collegiate level if you don’t think Hunter is deserving. He is the first to do it and one of one, so its impossible to take away from him. I think Jeanty is a great player, but to say Hunter is not deserving is crazy to me, and rooted in Colorado hate, because what he did was so rare.
