Joel Klatt Outraged Over Travis Hunter’s Snub For The Thorpe Award

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Grant Bricker | Last updated Nov 26, 2024 6:35 PM ET

Joel Klatt voiced his opinion on Colorado Buffaloes star Travis Hunter's absence from the Jim Thorpe Award Finalists via X on Tuesday night. The award annually goes to the best defensive back in college football.

The three finalists who made the cut instead of Hunter were Texas Longhorns defensive back Jahdae Barron, Ohio State Buckeyes defensive back Caleb Downs, and Georgia Bulldogs defensive back Malaki Starks.

Hunter leads Colorado with three interceptions and has 31 total tackles, one tackle for loss, and one forced fumble.

The Buffaloes lost to the Kansas Jayhawks on Saturday, 37-21, for their third loss of the season. Kansas was a one-and-a-half-point underdog on ESPN BET.

Hunter's name being left off angered Klatt. Klatt said not having Hunter as a finalist lowered the award's value.

"Not having Travis Hunter as a FINALIST for the Thorpe Award is crazy," Klatt said. "It devalues the award. He is the best CB in CFB, and his numbers reflect that all his opponents know that."

Not having Travis Hunter as a FINALIST for the Thorpe Award is crazy...It devalues the award...He is the best CB in CFB and his numbers reflect that all his opponents know that.
— Joel Klatt (@joelklatt) November 26, 2024

The Jim Thorpe Award has been around since 1986, but Colorado has never had a player win it. Last season's winner was former Air Force defensive back Trey Taylor.

Colorado's final regular-season game is against the Oklahoma State Cowboys on Friday. Kickoff is at noon ET on ABC and ESPN+.

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

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