Paul Finebaum Didn't Hesitate When Naming His Heisman Pick

A few hours before the Colorado Buffaloes faced the Oklahoma State Cowboys, he said the race was over in favor of the two-way star, Hunter. At the time, Hunter was a -700 favorite to win the award (ESPN BET).

Hunter, a finalist for the Biletnikoff, Bednarik, and Maxwell awards, was left out of the finalists for the Thorpe Award, given to the nation’s top defensive back. However, that snub didn’t seem to impact Finebaum’s decision.

"There is nothing more other than to impress the Jim Thorpe committee, which didn't put him on their final list," Finebaum said. "That's only for the best defensive back in the country. He's the best everything in the country. He just needs to have a good game today. He will win the Heisman Trophy in two weeks."

Hunter is a one-of-a-kind player. The 6-foot-1, 185-pound junior has played nearly every offensive and defensive snap, and dominating while doing so.

Through his team's first 11 games in 2024, Hunter has racked up 82 receptions for 1,036 yards and 11 touchdowns at wide receiver. On the other side of the ball at cornerback, the former No. 1 high school recruit has put up 30 tackles, nine passes defended, one forced fumble and three interceptions.