Travis Hunter made a significant impact on the field as No. 25 Colorado delivered a commanding 52-0 victory over Oklahoma State on Friday, boosting his chances for the Heisman Trophy. Hunter demonstrated his exceptional talent by securing ten receptions for 116 yards, including three touchdown catches, which brought his season total to 14—setting a new record for the most touchdowns by a Colorado receiver in a single season, surpassing Nelson Spruce’s previous mark of 12 in 2014. Notably, Hunter celebrated one of his touchdowns by striking a Heisman pose while being tackled, showcasing his electrifying presence.
Quarterback Shedeur Sanders also had a record-setting performance with 438 passing yards, breaking the school’s single-season passing record. He wrapped up the regular season with an impressive total of 3,926 yards, overtaking Koy Detmer’s 1996 record of 3,527 yards. Sanders added five touchdown passes to his tally, bringing his season total to a school-best 35.
With this victory, the Buffaloes finished the regular season strong at 9-3 overall and 7-2 in conference play, currently holding the No. 25 spot in the College Football Playoff rankings. To secure a place in the conference championship on December 7 in Arlington, Texas, Colorado will need favorable outcomes in games involving other teams within the conference.
The Buffaloes started strong, racing to a 21-0 lead in the first quarter and maintaining their momentum throughout the game. The impressive defensive performance included forcing four turnovers, one of which was a pick-six recorded by DJ McKinney. This game marked Colorado’s first shutout since October 2021.
Receiver LaJohntay Wester also shined with 11 catches for 175 yards and two touchdowns, solidifying his status as a top performer with 322 career receptions across Colorado and Florida Atlantic, tying him for sixth on the NCAA’s all-time receptions list.
Adding to the excitement, Shedeur Sanders received the prestigious Johnny Unitas Golden Arm Award, recognizing him as the nation’s top quarterback, with more accolades likely to follow for both Sanders and Hunter. However, Hunter’s omission as a finalist for the Jim Thorpe Award, which honors the top defensive backs, drew criticism from head coach Deion Sanders, highlighting the competitive nature of the awards season.
Oklahoma State, in contrast, ended their season struggling with a nine-game losing streak, marking the first winless conference season for the team since 1994 when they were in the Big 8.
This impressive performance by Colorado reflects their resilience and potential moving into possible bowl games, providing a beacon of hope for their fans as they navigate the postseason landscape.
In summary, the Buffaloes showcased exceptional talent on both sides of the ball with record-breaking performances from Hunter and Sanders, setting a hopeful tone for their postseason aspirations.