Colorado football standout Travis Hunter is significantly enhancing his prospects for both the NFL Draft and the Heisman Trophy. The junior made headlines during a recent game against Utah, where he notched his third interception of the season, helping to maintain the Buffaloes’ lead at 14-3 late in the first quarter. The interception came from a pass thrown by Utah quarterback Isaac Wilson, which was initially deflected by cornerback Colton Hood.
Following the impressive play, Hunter celebrated in a manner reminiscent of the Heisman pose, a celebration made famous by Desmond Howard in 1991. However, this celebration resulted in a penalty for unsportsmanlike conduct.
Under the leadership of Coach Deion Sanders, Hunter, and quarterback Shedeur Sanders, the No. 20 ranked Buffaloes (7-2, 5-1 in the Big 12) are emerging as strong contenders for both the Big 12 Conference championship and a spot in the 12-team College Football Playoff.
Heading into the game, Hunter had already posted impressive statistics, including 69 receptions for 856 yards and nine touchdowns, alongside 21 total tackles, two interceptions, seven pass deflections, and one forced fumble. His remarkable versatility is highlighted by his 1,044 total snaps on the field, which surpasses that of Texas Tech offensive tackle Caleb Rogers by over 250 snaps.
As of the latest updates, Hunter is positioned as the frontrunner for the 2024 Heisman Trophy according to BetMGM, with impressive odds of +100.
This performance not only underscores Hunter’s remarkable skills on the football field but also raises hopes for Colorado’s football program as they continue to build momentum in a competitive season. The combination of individual talent and team cohesion exhibited by the Buffaloes suggests a promising path forward, both for Hunter’s career and Colorado’s aspirations in the postseason.