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Colorado's Travis Hunter Wins Major College Football Award on Thursday

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Max Escarpio | Last updated Dec 12, 2024 9:24 PM ET

Colorado Buffaloes star Travis Hunter cemented himself as one of the biggest stars in college football history in 2024.

Hunter, who thrives as both a wide receiver and cornerback for the Buffaloes, will be in New York on Dec. 14, volleying for the Heisman Trophy Award.

Before the Heisman Trophy is announced, between Hunter, Dillon Gabriel, Cam Ward and Ashton Jeanty, the Buffaloes star received a major award.

On Thursday, Hunter won the Chuck Bednarik Award, given to the nation's top defensive player. With the Thursday night announcement, Hunter became the first player in Colorado history to win the Chuck Bednarik Award.

Colorado’s Travis Hunter wins the Chuck Bednarik Award as the nation’s defensive player of the year. He was won two of the three defensive player of the year awards (also the Lott Impact Trophy). He’s the first Bednarik winner in CU history. #cubuffs
— Brian Howell (@BrianHowell33) December 13, 2024

Hunter finished the season with one forced fumble, four interceptions, 11 pass deflections and 31 tackles.

He also had incredible production on the offensive end, posting 14 touchdowns and 1,152 yards and 92 receptions.

Hunter now has the chance to become the first two-way player to win the Heisman Trophy Award since Charles Woodson with the Michigan Wolverines in 1997.

The Buffaloes star is listed as a -2000 favorite to win the Heisman Trophy, per On3 Sports.

He led Colorado to a 9-3 record, with a 7-2 mark in the Big 12 standings. Colorado was listed as the No. 4 team in the Big 12, behind Iowa State, Arizona State and BYU.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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