In the least stunning news of the 2024 season, Heisman Trophy frontrunner and likely No. 1 overall pick in next year’s NFL Draft Travis Hunter confirmed that this will indeed be his last year in college football.
In a conference call with media members Thursday, Colorado’s dynamic two-way superstar confirmed he is bound for the NFL in 2025. The 6-foot-1, 185-pound junior wide receiver and cornerback for the Buffaloes also said he intends to play on both sides of the ball at the next level. Hunter’s 2024 Heisman campaign received a boost in last weekend’s 49-24 win over Utah.
The Colorado star hauled in his third interception of the year, had his first rushing touchdown of the year and had five catches for 55 yards. He also had a highlight-reel snag in triple coverage that was yet another Heisman moment for college football’s most unique player. In 2024, Hunter leads the Buffaloes with 911 yards on 74 receptions and nine receiving touchdowns.
Before Colorado improved to 8-2 with the win over Utah on its roll toward a Big 12 Conference title game appearance, Colorado head coach Deion Sanders was asked on FOX’s “Big Noon Kickoff” if he had to choose to give a Heisman vote to Hunter or his son, Buffaloes quarterback Shedeur Sanders, Deion said it would go to Hunter.
After his performance against the Utes, Deion doubled down.
“Travis is who he is,” Sanders said. “It’s supposed to go to the best college football player. I think that’s been a wrap since, what, Week 2?”
A former five-star high school recruit, Hunter decommitted from Florida State — Sanders’ alma mater — nearly three years ago and chose to play for Sanders at Jackson State in 2022 before following Sanders to Boulder.
How Hunter might fare in the draft
Hunter’s declaration is the least surprising thing we’ve seen all year. The Colorado dynamo started gaining traction as the country’s No. 1 prospect on scouting boards early this season. Nothing about that has slowed, as Hunter’s college run (especially the two FBS seasons) as a full-time two-way skill player is really unlike anything we’ve ever seen in modern college football.
Charles Woodson won a Heisman Trophy in 1997 as a defensive player who played sparingly on offense. Hunter rarely misses a snap and has been the best player on both sides of the ball in every college game he’s worn a helmet for.
Whether or not he’ll be selected with the first pick in the draft remains to be seen, as several NFL teams remain desperate for a QB. However, it’s hardly impossible that Hunter becomes either the first wide receiver to go No. 1 since Keyshawn Johnson (1996) or the first-ever CB to land the top spot.
It’s also interesting to hear Hunter say he has every intention of competing on both sides of the football, something that might only widen the net of teams possibly interested in his services. Several teams who will be drafting high don’t necessarily need a receiver, but they could use a corner. And vice versa.
Everyone has questions about whether or not the two-way business can continue in the NFL. Though it’s not foolish to suggest Hunter could be a team’s top corner while spending some time as an offensive gimmick/returner. I’m also not going to doubt him just yet, as he’s pretty unique. — Nick Baumgardner, senior writer
Required reading
(Photo: Christian Petersen / Getty Images)
