In a stunning finale at Folsom Field, Travis Hunter showcased his exceptional talent, solidifying his candidacy for the Heisman Trophy. With a remarkable performance against Oklahoma State, Hunter contributed significantly to Colorado’s overwhelming 52-0 victory, making it a memorable senior day for the Buffaloes.
Hunter’s highlight of the day included a spectacular touchdown catch while being tightly defended, alongside two additional touchdown receptions and an interception. His remarkable statistics featured 10 receptions for 116 yards, bringing his season total to 14 touchdown catches, a new record for a Colorado receiver in a single season, surpassing Nelson Spruce’s previous record of 12. After scoring his third touchdown, Hunter confidently struck the iconic Heisman pose, a gesture that spoke volumes about his aspirations for the prestigious award.
“Travis clinched the Heisman today with his performance,” exclaimed Coach Deion Sanders, echoing the sentiments of many fans and analysts alike. The confidence in Hunter’s abilities was further emphasized by quarterback Shedeur Sanders, who praised Hunter’s consistency as a critical factor in the Heisman race.
The Buffaloes, who finished the regular season strong with a 9-3 record, still hold their hopes alive for a Big 12 title game appearance. They need a few key games to go their way over the weekend, including losses by certain teams in the conference.
In addition to Hunter’s outstanding display, Shedeur Sanders had an impressive outing, passing for 438 yards and breaking the school’s single-season passing record with 3,926 yards. His five touchdown passes for the game increased his season total to a school-record 35.
This match marked Colorado’s first shutout since 2021, showcasing a powerful defensive performance that forced four turnovers, highlighted by a pick-6 from DJ McKinney. The team jumped to an early lead and maintained their dominance throughout the game, signaling a strong finish to their season.
For Oklahoma State, the defeat capped off a challenging season with a nine-game losing streak, marking the first winless conference season for the team since 1994. Coach Mike Gundy acknowledged the struggles, indicating that the offense was unable to find its rhythm during the game.
As Colorado awaits its bowl bid and potentially a spot in the Big 12 title game, hopes are high for the Buffaloes. The performance by both Hunter and Sanders signals a bright future for the program, with accolades and opportunities on the horizon.
In summary, Travis Hunter’s standout performance has not only heightened his profile as a Heisman candidate but also invigorated the entire Colorado football program as they enter the postseason with renewed energy and optimism. The future looks promising as the Buffaloes continue to build on their successes.