Dec. 14 (UPI) — Travis Hunter, Colorado’s two-way superstar who has awed fans with his cornerback and wide receiver skills during an electric college football career, won the 2024 Heisman Trophy on Saturday in New York.
“I’m shocked to be on this stage right now,” Hunter said after he was named the winner during an emotional speech in which he thanked his family, his girlfriend, his teachers and his coaches for their support over the years.
During an on-camera interview before he has announced as the winner, he proclaimed that “I love football so much. I can’t stop moving when I’m out on the field.”
Hunter, the projected top pick in the 2025 NFL Draft, hauled in the second-most receiving scores (14), fourth-most catches (92) and sixth-most receiving yards (1,152) through 12 appearances this season as a wide receiver.
He also provided dominant play as a defender, receiving the third-best defensive grade among cornerbacks, according to Pro Football Focus. He received the top coverage grade at the position. He totaled 32 combined tackles, four interceptions and 11 passes defensed.
Hunter made 57 catches for 721 yards and five scores in nine games last season for the Buffaloes. He also totaled 30 combined tackles, three interceptions and five passes defensed in 2023.
Hunter received 2024 Big 12 Defensive Player of the Year honors. He also won the Paul Hornung Award, given to the nation’s most versatile player, for the second-consecutive season.
He was the first player in college football history to be named a finalist for the Biletnikoff Award, given to the nation’s top pass catcher, and the Bednarik Award, which is given to the top defensive player in the country.
The Buffaloes (9-3), who sit at No. 23 in the College Football Playoff rankings, will take on No. 17 BYU in the Alamo Bowl on Dec. 28 in San Antonio.
Colorado coach Deion Sanders said last week that Hunter and Buffaloes quarterback Shedeur Sanders, who also is a projected Top 5 pick in the 2025 NFL Draft, are expected to play in the Alamo Bowl.
