Colorado’s two-way superstar Travis Hunter put an exclamation point on his Heisman Trophy campaign Friday, dominating on both sides of the ball as the Buffaloes annihilated Oklahoma State 52-0 to cap their regular season. The junior phenom intercepted a pass, broke up two more, and hauled in three touchdowns, cementing his status as the Heisman frontrunner.
“Travis clinched the Heisman with his performance,” declared Colorado head coach Deion Sanders after the game. “You’ve got to give me another definition of the award. Who else has done that? Ever?”
Making His Mark on Both Sides
Hunter wasted no time asserting his presence, snagging an interception on Oklahoma State’s opening drive. He nearly corralled another pick just before halftime and finished with a pair of pass breakups. According to sources, he became the first player in the last 25 years to record multiple games with two or more offensive touchdowns and an interception.
Not content to shine solely on defense, the converted cornerback torched the Cowboys secondary for three scores. His final touchdown – a leaping 23-yard grab despite tight coverage – served as an exclamation point. Hunter’s 14 receiving touchdowns set a new Colorado single-season record.
Best Player in the Nation?
“Travis Hunter proved today and he has proved every week that he is the best player in college football,” Sanders asserted. In addition to being a Heisman finalist, Hunter is up for the Bednarik Award for best defensive player and the Biletnikoff Award for top receiver.
“There’s no argument at this point. That’s crazy, the consistency that he has, that’s what the award is about.”
Shedeur Sanders, Colorado Quarterback
Coach Sanders took issue with Hunter’s omission as a finalist for the Thorpe Award, given to the nation’s best defensive back. Despite modest tackle numbers, he argued that the star’s lockdown coverage renders the statistic moot.
Record-Breaking, Award-Worthy Campaign
Hunter’s eye-popping improvement as a receiver further bolsters his Heisman credentials. He notched his seventh 100-yard game on Friday and eclipsed 80 catches, shattering his previous career marks.
- 14 receiving touchdowns (Colorado single-season record)
- 7 games with 100+ receiving yards
- 3 games with 10+ receptions
- Defensive stats: 30 tackles, 4 INTs, 11 pass breakups
While Boise State running back Ashton Jeanty figures to be Hunter’s top competition, the Buffs star has a strong case as the most valuable player in college football. His ability to impact the game in all three phases – as a lockdown corner, electrifying receiver, and dangerous return man – sets him apart.
A Fitting Folsom Finale
Friday marked a bittersweet end to Hunter’s sensational run at Colorado’s Folsom Field. Barring a confluence of chaos that vaults CU into the Big 12 title game, it was his final home appearance. Fans serenaded him with “Heisman!” chants as he signed autographs postgame.
One enthusiastic supporter even told Hunter he was the greatest player ever to don a Colorado uniform. High praise considering the program once featured Heisman winner Rashaan Salaam. Hunter appears poised to join that exclusive fraternity, which would make him the first primarily defensive player to claim the award since Charles Woodson in 1997.
An emotional Sanders reflected on the journey afterward, posing for photos with his three sons – quarterback Shedeur, safety Shilo, and Deion Jr., who produces content for the program. While a bowl game awaits, it marked the end of an era at Colorado’s iconic stadium.
“I didn’t really think about it until watching the last seconds tick off, like, ‘Dang, this is it, this is it,'” Sanders said. “It’s unbelievable to think that it’s the conclusion of the matter, just here. That’s tough.”
Hunter still has an opportunity to add to his Heisman résumé in the postseason. But even if Friday goes down as his closing argument, he couldn’t have scripted it any better. The Buffaloes’ superstar made one final indelible mark on Folsom Field, stating his case as the best player in college football.
