The Argument for Travis Hunter and the Heisman Trophy: More Uncertainty Than Necessary
This week, he chose to advocate for a trivial position award.
“If this isn’t the most absurd situation in college football,” exclaimed Colorado coach Deion Sanders.
Want to talk absurd? Here’s the real deal.
Travis Hunter is the standout player in college football, yet he might miss the chance to showcase his talent during championship week. This absence could cost him the Heisman Trophy.
What we know about the votes for this prestigious individual accolade is that voters often focus on the latest performances. Unless there’s a clear favorite (like Jayden Daniels was in 2023), the final weekend plays a crucial role in their decisions.
Unless something unexpected occurs in the final weekend of the Big 12 season – which isn’t out of the question given recent outcomes – Colorado will not compete in the Big 12 championship game. Consequently, the best player in college football will be overlooked as he stays at home while others shine.
Meanwhile, Dillon Gabriel will lead No. 1 Oregon in the Big Ten championship game, positioned on the biggest Heisman spotlight of the season.
Ashton Jeanty will compete in the Mountain West championship, building on his impressive totals: 2,228 rushing yards and 28 touchdowns, in pursuit of the legendary single-season rushing record held by Barry Sanders.
Additionally, Cam Ward could be battling for the ACC title, aiming to secure Miami’s first outright conference championship since 2002 while enhancing his spectacular stats.
In contrast, the player who commands attention on both offense and defense will be sidelined. Hunter, who intercepted the ball during the third play against Oklahoma State, will watch as others seize their moments.
This player, who has now caught a touchdown pass and intercepted a pass in the same game for the fourth time in two years at Colorado, routinely participates in over a hundred plays per game. In the recent rout of Oklahoma State, he was pulled from the game with 11 minutes left due to a commanding 52-0 lead.
As other players receive the spotlight, he will hear about Gabriel’s outstanding career, or Ward’s impressive season in the ACC as he dominates his competition.
He will also hear about Jeanty’s remarkable journey from being undervalued to potentially breaking records.
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All four players are deserving of the Heisman, each with compelling stories and impressive campaigns that could win in numerous other seasons. Yet, Hunter is exceptional — and he has been since he left Collins Hill High School in Suwanee, Georgia.
Initially, he committed to play for Florida State as one of the top recruits for coach Mike Norvell. Then, a remarkable turn of events happened, sparked by a recruiting pitch from Coach Prime, who was then at Jackson State.
Why conform to the norm? Be more than just a football player. Strive to be a transformative figure in society.
Instead of joining the ranks of greats at Florida State, including legends like Sanders himself, why be just another face in the crowd when you could be a standout at Jackson State, becoming the top high school recruit to choose an historically black college over top-tier college football programs.
As it turns out, he truly is one of a kind in major college football.
Since following Sanders to Colorado, Hunter has emerged as the most electrifying non-quarterback in the sport. This season, he stands out at any position — even while playing dual roles.
His stats tell part of the story: 82 receptions totaling 1,036 yards and 11 touchdowns, along with a slew of interceptions and an unmatched defensive prowess where opponents avoid his side of the field.
On the other hand, Colorado quarterback Shedeur Sanders throws to Hunter whenever possible, affirming earlier this season, “If he’s in the vicinity, he’s catching it.”
In the latest game against Oklahoma State, Hunter was involved in 68 offensive plays and another 46 on defense, only being taken out of the game because of Colorado’s commanding lead.
This remarkable season is so extraordinary that it invites comparisons to legends like Champ Bailey and Charles Woodson. Both were exceptional players, yet they didn’t match Hunter’s influence on both offense and defense.
While Woodson won the Heisman in 1997 at Michigan and Bailey was an All-American at Georgia, neither performed at the same caliber that Hunter has showcased over two seasons at Colorado.
If Hunter had played for Michigan or Georgia with similar performances, the Heisman race would already be wrapped up. Instead, we have to endure the finalists for trivial position awards, leaving many to question what the voters truly observe when making their choices.
Unless an unexpected twist occurs this Saturday in the Big 12 race (which is too complicated to explain), we could witness a repeating scenario with the Heisman voting.
Voters are keeping an eye on next week, but not because of Hunter.
Here comes another potentially foolish trophy moment.