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Travis Hunter Explains Why He Will 'Break Down' at Heisman Trophy Ceremony

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Sean Deveney | Last updated Dec 12, 2024 6:47 AM ET

When it comes to the Heisman Trophy, which will be awarded this weekend in New York, it's essentially a two-man race. Cam Ward of Miami and Oregon's Dillon Gabriel are still in the mix as finalists, but this will be a non-quarterback year, a choice between Boise State running back Ashton Jeanty and Colorado two-way star Travis Hunter.

And Hunter is the prohibitive favorite, listed as a minus-8,000 by Caesar's, with Jeanty at plus-2,000.

With good reason. Hunter just registered one of the most remarkable seasons in the history of college football. He earned the Big 12 Defensive Player of the Year award, but also led the conference with 92 catches and 14 touchdowns as a receiver.

That unprecedented success as a player on both sides of the ball has eleveated him not only to the top of the Heisman Trophy field, but likely to the top of the NFL draft, too.

The award will be presented Saturday night at Jazz at Lincoln Center in Columbus Circle in New York. If he wins, Hunter will be all smiles, he said, at least until all the cameras are off and the well-wishers fade away.

He was asked about how he would react if he takes home the Heisman Trophy on "The Pivot" podcast. His answer: expect emotion, and he explained why.

"I just know I did it for my family. I did it for all the players and coaches who came in and out of my life. I did it for myself, more importantly," Hunter said.

"It’s gonna mean so much to me because I know I am going to break down and cry once everybody goes away from me because I know I am going to try to act tough in front of everybody. For my family, it is going to mean so much. I am the first to go to college, the first to get to the NFL. I’ll be able to take care of my family."

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

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