Ron Chenoy-Imagn Images

Travis Hunter Wins Prestigious College Football Award On Monday Night

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Spencer Ostrow | Last updated Dec 9, 2024 7:44 PM ET

Colorado Buffaloes two-way star Travis Hunter had a season to remember, dominating on both offense and defense while barely leaving the field.

Hunter, who already earned Big 12 Defensive Player of the Year honors, is also the favorite to win the Heisman Trophy. He was named a finalist for that on Monday, but his night didn’t stop there—he also took home a different prestigious award.

He won the Lott IMPACT Trophy, given annually to the top defensive player in college football who excels on and off the field. The trophy represents Integrity, Maturity, Performance, Academics, Community, and Tenacity—the values of USC and NFL legend Ronnie Lott.

"Travis Hunter is the Lott Impact Trophy Award Winner ," Colorado's social media team wrote when revealing the news.

Travis Hunter is the Lott Impact Trophy Award Winner @TravisHunterJr x #HE12MAN pic.twitter.com/CsgNcPKRL0
— Colorado Buffaloes Football (@CUBuffsFootball) December 9, 2024

Hunter has set the standard for what it means to be a complete football player. On the field, he recorded 92 receptions, 1,152 yards, and 14 touchdowns at wide receiver. At cornerback, he accumulated 31 tackles, 11 passes defended, one forced fumble and four interceptions.

Off the field, the West Palm Beach native maintained a 4.0 GPA while also being active in the community. For example, Hunter's given back to children's hospitals and partnered with Greenwood, a Black fintech company, to support Black causes, schools, and businesses.

Hunter won the Lott IMPACT Trophy over Ohio State safety Caleb Downs, Texas A&M defensive end Nic Scourton and Indiana defensive lineman Mikail Kamara.

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

More must-reads: