Deion Sanders says no Travis Hunter for Colorado vs. No. 8 USC

Colorado two-way star Travis Hunter will not play this Saturday's home game against No. 8 Southern California as he recovers from a lacerated liver.

Colorado coach Deion Sanders -- in a video posted online Monday on his son's YouTube channel -- told his players that Hunter texted him saying he needed to play this week after missing Colorado's 42-6 loss to Oregon.

"We need to get everything we can so I can get back on the field. I'm not taking no for an answer," Hunter purportedly told Sanders.

Sanders then told his team how he responded:

"No, you ain't ready and I care about you more than I care about this game. You're going to change the game of football one day when you get healthy and ready. Your future is brighter than mine ever will be and ever was. Relax and get healthy. I love you, son."

Hunter was injured Sept. 16 when Colorado State's Henry Blackburn laid an illegal hit on him along the sideline.

A former five-star high school recruit, Hunter plays wide receiver and cornerback for Sanders at Colorado after following the coach there from Jackson State. In the first three games of 2023, Hunter had 16 catches for 233 yards on offense and one interception, two pass breakups and nine tackles on defense.

After the Buffaloes' lopsided loss at Oregon, unbeaten USC is a 21.5-point favorite against Colorado at BetMGM and FanDuel Sportsbook.