Deion Sanders, the head coach of Colorado football, heavily criticized the decision to exclude Travis Hunter from the list of finalists for the Jim Thorpe Award, calling it “idiotic” and stating it undermines the award’s credibility.

The Thorpe Award recognizes the best defensive back in the country each year. Hunter, who plays both cornerback and wide receiver for Colorado, is also seen as a top contender for the Heisman Trophy, according to odds from BetMGM. However, he was not among the three finalists announced on Tuesday, which included Jahdae Barron from Texas, Caleb Downs from Ohio State, and Malaki Starks from Georgia.

Sanders himself received the Thorpe Award during his time at Florida State in 1988.

“How is Travis Hunter overlooked for the Thorpe Award?” Sanders questioned in his press conference in Boulder. “You can have my award back. In fact, I’ll give it to him. It just sits there collecting dust. Travis can take my Thorpe Award because if this isn’t the most ridiculous thing in college football, that he isn’t a finalist, I don’t know what is. There’s really no argument; this young man is arguably the best defensive back in college football.”

Overview of the Thorpe Award and Reaction to Sanders

The Thorpe Award is managed by the Oklahoma Sports Hall of Fame, where a screening committee of its members shortlists 10-15 semifinalists midseason, followed by a final selection of three finalists later in November, as per their official website.

In response, Mike James, the executive director of the Hall of Fame, stated in an email to YSL News Sports: “We do not criticize Coach Sanders and wish him all the best.”

He elaborated:

“Since 1986, the Oklahoma Sports Hall of Fame and Jim Thorpe Association selection committee have diligently worked to identify the top defensive backs in college football. This process is not easy, and committee members dedicate countless hours and resources to it. Each year has its unique challenges, and this year was no exception. Many players were considered for the finalist spots; nonetheless, the committee had to select the top three. I commend the coaches who feel their players deserve more recognition. We look forward to unveiling the winner and welcoming a deserving young man into the Paycom Jim Thorpe Award family.”

‘He’s rarely targeted’

In contrast, Hunter has been named as one of three finalists for the Biletnikoff Award, which honors the best receiver in major college football.

This season, he has caught 82 passes for 1,036 yards and 11 touchdowns. Defensively, he has three interceptions, nine passes defended, and 30 tackles, but much of his impact doesn’t show in the stats—opposing quarterbacks tend to avoid targeting him due to his exceptional talent and understanding of the game.

“He’s rarely targeted,” Sanders noted, further stating, “They’ve just tarnished the integrity of the award, and he can take mine. To whoever is voting, thank you, because I don’t even want mine anymore. God bless you.”

Colorado (8-3) will wrap up its regular season at home against Oklahoma State (3-8) on Friday and still has a slim chance of making it to the Big 12 championship game on December 7. After a tough loss to Kansas last week, the Buffaloes need two other Big 12 teams to lose specific games this Saturday to qualify for the title game.

The Thorpe Award winner will be announced on December 12, while finalists for the Heisman Trophy will be revealed on December 9, followed by the announcement of the Heisman winner on December 14.