This article was updated to include a photo.

ORLANDO, Fla. – During Saturday night’s match against Central Florida, Travis Hunter sported personalized gold football cleats adorned with a design featuring the mountains and forests of Boulder, Colorado.

He certainly made them shine on the field. In the first quarter, he scored a 23-yard touchdown, and in the third quarter, he made a key interception, striking the Heisman Trophy pose. After Colorado secured a 48-21 victory, the two-way sensation even took off his cleats and handed them to a fan in the stands of FBC Mortgage Stadium.

“That’s just who he is,” commented Colorado’s head coach, Deion Sanders, on Hunter’s outstanding performance.

By the end of the game, Hunter had achieved nine receptions for 89 yards and a touchdown, along with an interception, a broken-up pass, and two tackles, walking back to the locker room barefoot.

He truly is everywhere on the field.

However, this time felt special.

What made this victory unique for Travis Hunter and Deion Sanders?

Hunter’s teammates also rose to the occasion, putting on what could be their best collective performance during Sanders’ tenure as head coach.

This game was significant as it marked a homecoming for both Sanders and Hunter, with both being from Florida and leading the Buffaloes (4-1) to their third consecutive win.

“I can’t express how emotional I feel about these young men and what they can accomplish when they work together,” Sanders reflected after the match.

This victory sends a clear message to the Big 12 Conference. The Buffaloes are on fire, with potential to break into the national Top 25. They led 27-14 at halftime and limited UCF, the nation’s top rushing team, to 177 yards on the ground—nearly 200 yards less than their season average heading into the game.

Here’s a look at how they achieved this and what it signifies:

What did Deion Sanders say about the win?

After the game, which started about 50 minutes late due to lightning, Sanders was in a light-hearted mood. He made jokes about Hunter, who is known for wearing onesie pajamas and often avoids media interactions after games.

“Knowing Travis, he’s probably on the bus wearing a onesie,” Sanders laughed during the post-game press conference.

He also teased his son, quarterback Shedeur, who threw an interception on the opening drive of the game but quickly regrouped to lead the team on scoring drives for six of their next seven plays in front of a sellout crowd of 45,702 at FBC Mortgage Stadium. Shedeur completed 28 of 35 passes for 290 yards and three touchdowns, in addition to rushing for 28 yards while only getting sacked twice, all while missing a starting guard due to injury.

“C’mon Grown, they want to hear about the interception,” Deion joked as his son walked into the press conference.

He affectionately refers to Shedeur as “Grown,” reflecting his maturity for his age.

Shedeur Sanders demonstrated composure by recovering from the early turnover and utilizing the running game to alleviate some pressure, as the Buffs totaled 128 rushing yards on 29 carries—led by 39 from Florida’s own Isaiah Augustave.

“We were outcoached and outplayed,” admitted UCF head coach Gus Malzahn.

UCF’s performance was marred by two interceptions and two fumbles, one of which safety Cam’Ron Silmon-Craig returned for a 95-yard touchdown in the game’s final moments.

Shedeur Sanders’ take on the game

When asked how he maintains focus amidst the surrounding excitement and visits from football legends, Shedeur mentioned meeting Cam Newton, the 2010 Heisman winner, before the match. Hall of Famers Michael Irvin and Terrell Owens were also present to watch him play.

So what’s his secret? Shedeur explained that he keeps track of past criticisms, whether they’re justified or not. He recalled being labeled “just an HBCU kid who couldn’t perform at the Power 5 level” due to his time at Jackson State before transferring to Colorado.

“I remember everything,” Sanders affirmed. “I hold onto everything anyone has ever said, and I’m not one to easily forgive or forget. Regardless of my current success, I won’t let go of past criticisms.”

A winning mindset propelled the team to victory on Saturday, overcoming an opponent that was predicted to win by two touchdowns. The coach effectively distributed the ball among eight different receivers, pushing the Knights (3-1) out of their regular strategy by compelling them to pass the ball more often to keep up.

“In order to match our scoring style, they have to step out of their usual play and start throwing the ball more than they prefer,” said Deion Sanders.

The team will now take a break as they enjoy a bye weekend in Boulder. The Buffs will return to action at home on October 12 against Kansas State.

Deion Sanders Reflects on His Record

Following the game, Sanders played a playful trick on the media to highlight a point. With four victories, the team has now equaled their win total from the previous season, during which the Buffs concluded with a 4-8 record in Sanders’ first year in Boulder.

“I’m incredibly proud of our progress,” Sanders expressed. “We could be in a very different situation right now, but here we are… As we head into the break, what’s our record?”

“Four-and-one,” the media answered.

“Could you repeat that?” Sanders asked, pretending not to hear.

“Four-and-one,” the room echoed back.

“I just wanted to hear you all say it out loud together, and you fell for it,” Sanders chuckled.

“We’re 4-1 heading into the break, and I’m beyond excited, you can’t imagine,” Sanders continued. “It’s going to be a fantastic flight this evening.”