Colorado’s Travis Hunter became the first two-way player since Michigan legend Charles Woodson to take home the Heisman Trophy, college football’s most prestigious individual award, on Saturday night. Hunter’s victory culminates an extraordinary season in which the versatile junior showcased elite playmaking on both sides of the ball for the Buffaloes.
Other finalists included Boise State running back Ashton Jeanty, Oregon quarterback Dillon Gabriel and Miami quarterback Cam Ward. And all four presented solid cases, but Hunter’s historic season set him apart. According to Pro Football Focus, he logged an eye-opening 1,443 snaps in just 12 games while splitting time as both a wide receiver and cornerback.
Offensively, Hunter was dominant. He caught 92 passes for 1,152 yards and 14 touchdowns, consistently proving to be Colorado’s most dangerous weapon. Defensively, he excelled as a shutdown corner, amassing 31 tackles, 15 passes defended (tied for fifth in the FBS), four interceptions, and one forced fumble.
Travis Hunter’s speech after winning the 2024 Heisman Trophy
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— ESPN College Football (@ESPNCFB) December 15, 2024
Hunter’s overall brilliance brought out comparisons with Charles Woodson, the 1997 Heisman winner still recognized as college football’s finest two-way players. At the same time, statistically, on offense, Hunter outpaced Woodson miles apart, symbolizing the advancement of the two-way position into the present era.
The dynamic athlete recorded 43 tackles, seven interceptions, and five pass breakups during his Heisman-winning season on defense. On offense, he added 11 receptions for 231 yards and two touchdowns, adding one rushing score. Woodson also contributed as a returner, notching 365 return yards and a touchdown.
Hunter, on the other hand, did not handle return duties but far outperformed Woodson offensively, tallying over 1,100 receiving yards and 14 touchdowns. While his defensive numbers were slightly less gaudy, his ability to excel on both sides of the ball at such a high level in today’s game is unparalleled.
Following Hunter’s win, social media erupted with praise and comparisons to Woodson, who attended the ceremony to present the award. “Travis is one of the most dynamic players I’ve ever seen,” Woodson said during the broadcast. “It’s an honor to see a young man carry on the legacy of the two-way player.”
Hunter’s Heisman campaign also speaks to the cultural impact of Colorado football’s resurgence under head coach Deion Sanders. While team record was spotty, Hunter’s electrifying performances brought national attention back to Boulder.
With his Heisman victory, Hunter will be the second primarily defensive player to take home the award and seal his place in college football lore. Whether he declares a move into the NFL Draft or decides to return for one more season at Colorado, he has already secured his status as one of the most versatile and electrifying players the sport has seen.
Hunter’s Heisman moment was more than an individual achievement; instead, it spoke volumes to the lasting allure of the two-way player and a reminder of how one extraordinary athlete can affect the game.
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