Travis Hunter Sends Clear Message Before Heisman Ceremony

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Owen Crisafulli | Last updated Dec 13, 2024 1:50 PM ET

The Heisman Trophy race has been tightly contested throughout the 2024 campaign, and on Saturday night, we will find out who will become the latest recipient of the prestigious award. As of right now, the frontrunner to win the award is Colorado Buffaloes two-way superstar Travis Hunter.

Hunter is a one-of-one player who starred on both sides of the ball for the Buffaloes in 2024. He put up huge numbers as a wide receiver (92 receptions, 1,152 yards, 15 total touchdowns) in addition to playing lockdown defense at cornerback (32 tackles, four interceptions, 11 passes defended).

Boise State running back Ashton Jeanty is considered Hunter's top competition for the award, with Oregon Ducks quarterback Dillon Gabriel and Miami Hurricanes quarterback Cam Ward the other two finalists. Ahead of the ceremony, though, Hunter made it clear he expects to walk away with the Heisman when all is said and done.

"What's up everybody, Buff Nation, it's Travis Hunter here," Hunter said in a video posted on the Buffaloes official X (formerly known as Twitter) account. "We out here in New York, Heisman finalist, you know what time it is. We coming home with some hardware, baby. Let's go!"

Checking in from NYC @TravisHunterJr x #HE12MAN pic.twitter.com/DGbFMqb7iE
— Colorado Buffaloes Football (@CUBuffsFootball) December 13, 2024

Hunter made it clear throughout the season he believed he should win the Heisman, whether it was with his words, or with his play (and sometimes touchdown celebrations) on the field. His confidence isn't lacking, as he states here he believes he will be taking home the trophy this year.

While Jeanty, Gabriel, and Ward have all had spectacular seasons, nobody else in the nation manages to make the same impact that Hunter can. He was Shedeur Sanders' No. 1 wide receiver in the Buffaloes offense, while also being the defense's top cornerback all in one player, which makes him incredibly valuable.

Hunter may be the frontrunner to win the award, but you can never count anyone out until a winner is named. And while he's already racked up several accolades since the conclusion of Colorado's regular season action, he will be looking to win the Heisman Trophy, with the ceremony set to take place on Saturday, Dec. 16 at 8 p.m. EST.

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

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