Although he had a tremendous season, Travis Hunter saw his college career with the Colorado Buffaloes end on a low note after falling to the BYU Cougars in the Alamo Bowl.
Despite not making the College Football Playoff and failing to win a bowl, nothing should be able to take away from the year Hunter had.
As a wide receiver, the junior out of Suwanee, Georgia, tallied 96 catches for 1,258 yards and 15 touchdowns, each ranking top five throughout all of college football. He also won the Fred Biletnikoff Award, which goes to the most outstanding receiver.
On defense, Hunter was just as effective, recording 35 tackles, 11 passes defended, four interceptions and one forced fumble while locking down opposing receivers. He was also named the Big 12 Defensive Player of the Year.
For his overall play on both sides of the field, Hunter ended his college career with the Heisman Trophy as well.
On Wednesday, ESPN released its top 100 college football players of the 2024-25 season. As the Heisman winner, it shouldn't come as a surprise that Hunter was ranked as the top player in the nation.
"A once-in-a-generation player, Hunter won the Heisman Trophy after playing full-time both ways - as a receiver and corner - for the Buffaloes as they won nine games," wrote ESPN staff writer Kyle Bonagura. "On offense, he caught 96 passes for 1,258 yards and 15 touchdowns and was honored with the Fred Biletnikoff Award as the nation's best receiver. On defense - the side on which he began his career - he was arguably the best cover corner in college football. It is an incredible combination that likely won't be replicated for decades."
5-star recruit out of high school
— Front Office Sports (@FOS) December 15, 2024
Highest-rated ever to go to an HBCU
Led Jackson State to 12-0 regular season
Followed Deion Sanders to Colorado
Consensus All-American
First-Team Big 12 offense and defense
AP College Football POTY
2024 Heisman Trophy Winner: Travis Hunter pic.twitter.com/yjAyyMZaMr
Now, Hunter will be heading to the NFL, where he is expected to be one of the first picks in the upcoming draft. Many even have Hunter as the top prospect, going as high as No. 1.
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