Colorado’s two-way standout Travis Hunter exited the Buffaloes’ 31-28 defeat against No. 18 Kansas State late in the second quarter due to a right shoulder injury sustained during a 14-yard reception.
In addition to Hunter, three other Colorado receivers were injured during the match: Jimmy Horn Jr. (suspected ankle injury), Omarion Miller (left ankle), and Terrell Timmons Jr. (injury unspecified).
Head Coach Deion Sanders did not provide details on the status of the injured players post-game, noting only that Miller was in a walking boot. “I haven’t received an update on those young men,” Sanders stated. “Hopefully, they can return soon, but we won’t rush them. Their health and safety take precedence over this game.”
The impact of these injuries was significant in such a closely contested game. “Losing Travis, Jimmy, and the others was monumental,” Sanders noted, emphasizing their importance to the team’s identity. Despite the setbacks, other players stepped up in their absence.
Quarterback Shedeur Sanders threw for 388 yards and three touchdowns, completing 34 of 40 attempts, but expressed disbelief over the number of injuries suffered by his receivers. “I never imagined four receivers would get injured in one game. It’s just absurd,” he remarked. “But things happen; we need to adapt and prepare for next week.”
The Buffaloes, who hold a record of 4-2 and 2-1 in the Big 12, missed Hunter more on defense than on offense. Without their star defensive back, Colorado allowed two touchdowns and a field goal on their first three defensive drives, falling behind 24-14. While Hunter cheered on his teammates from the sideline in the second half, Colorado briefly took a 28-24 lead, only to surrender a 50-yard touchdown shortly after. Their offense subsequently turned the ball over on downs.
Prior to his injury, Hunter was set for his typical heavy workload, averaging 124 snaps per game and participating in all but one of the first 45 combined plays. He sustained the injury while making a reception at midfield, where he collided at full speed with safety Daniel Cobbs but managed to hang onto the ball before signaling for a substitution. The ESPN broadcast reported that the medical team was evaluating his right shoulder.
Last season, Hunter missed three games due to a lacerated liver from a hit against Colorado State, but he has been a consistent presence on the field this season and is a contender for the Heisman Trophy. In the game against Kansas State, he recorded three catches for 26 yards and one tackle before leaving, bringing his season totals to 49 receptions for 587 yards and two touchdowns, along with 16 tackles, two interceptions, and a forced fumble on defense.