Travis Hunter’s Heisman Moment: A Night to Remember in Boulder
BOULDER, Colo. — If you were anywhere near Folsom Field on Friday night, you probably heard the chants echoing through the crisp Colorado air: “Heisman! Heisman!” And at the center of it all, soaking in the adoration, was none other than Travis Hunter. The Colorado Buffaloes’ two-way superstar wasn’t just playing football; he was putting on a show for the ages, one that might just earn him college football’s most coveted individual honor.
Hunter, who has been a human highlight reel all season, capped off his career at Folsom Field in jaw-dropping fashion. With three touchdown receptions and an interception, he led Colorado to a dominant 52-0 victory over Oklahoma State. The win pushed the Buffaloes to a 9-3 regular-season finish, and while their Big 12 championship hopes hinge on a series of unlikely outcomes on Saturday, Hunter’s Heisman campaign is all but locked in.
As the final seconds ticked off the clock, Hunter began his victory lap. Fans clamored for autographs and selfies, and Hunter obliged, grinning ear to ear. His fiancée, Leanna Lenee, joined him, sporting a jacket emblazoned with “HE12MAN” on the back—a clever nod to Hunter’s jersey number and his Heisman aspirations. One fan even declared him the greatest player to ever wear a Colorado jersey. It was a moment that felt like the culmination of something truly special.
Deion Sanders: “Travis Clinched the Heisman”
Colorado head coach Deion Sanders didn’t mince words after the game. “Travis clinched the Heisman with his performance,” Sanders said. And it’s hard to argue with him. Hunter entered the game as the overwhelming favorite (-800) to win the Heisman, and by the time the dust settled, his odds had skyrocketed to -25000, according to ESPN BET.
Hunter’s performance wasn’t just about the numbers, though they were staggering. He broke Colorado’s single-season touchdown receptions record, now standing at 14, and tied the school’s single-game touchdown mark. He also intercepted a Maealiuaki Smith pass on Oklahoma State’s opening drive and nearly snagged another pick before halftime. By the end of the night, he had two pass breakups to go along with his offensive heroics.
For the fourth time this season, Hunter recorded both an interception and an offensive touchdown in the same game. According to ESPN Research, he’s the first player in the past 25 seasons to have two games with multiple scrimmage touchdowns and an interception. Simply put, he’s rewriting the record books.
Chasing History
Hunter is aiming to become Colorado’s second Heisman winner, following in the footsteps of running back Rashaan Salaam, who won the award in 1994. He’s also looking to become the first primarily defensive player to win the Heisman since Michigan’s Charles Woodson in 1997. And if that weren’t enough, Hunter is a finalist for both the Maxwell Award (college football’s top player) and the Chuck Bednarik Award (defensive player of the year).
Deion Sanders made it clear that Hunter’s versatility sets him apart. “You’ve got to give me another definition of the award,” Sanders said. “The award is to go to who? The best quarterback? He’s up for best offensive player, best defensive player, a plethora of things. Who else has done that? Ever?”
Earlier this week, Sanders criticized the Thorpe Award voting for excluding Hunter as a finalist, calling the decision “stupid.” He argued that Hunter’s relatively low tackle total (30) is a testament to his dominance as a cornerback—opposing teams simply avoid throwing his way.
A Night to Remember
Oklahoma State coach Mike Gundy summed it up best: “He’s a special player.” Unfortunately for Gundy, his team tested Hunter far too often on Friday, and the results were disastrous. Hunter’s early interception set the tone, and his offensive brilliance followed. Late in the first quarter, he strolled into the end zone for an 11-yard touchdown. His final act came in the fourth quarter, when he leaped over Oklahoma State’s Kale Smith for a 23-yard touchdown grab.
Hunter’s season stats are equally jaw-dropping. He recorded his seventh 100-yard receiving game on Friday and notched at least 10 catches for the third time this year, bringing his season total to 82 receptions. He’s also a finalist for the Biletnikoff Award, given to the nation’s top receiver.
Shedeur Sanders Weighs In
Colorado quarterback Shedeur Sanders, who had a stellar night of his own with 438 passing yards and five touchdowns, didn’t hold back in his praise for Hunter. “There’s no argument at this point,” he said. “That’s crazy, the consistency that he has, that’s what the award is about.”
Shedeur, who became the first Colorado player to win the Johnny Unitas Golden Arm Award on Friday, plans to attend the Heisman Trophy presentation on Dec. 14, even if he isn’t a finalist. “Travis proved that week after week, throughout injuries and throughout everything,” he said. “He’s the life of our team.”
The End of an Era
Friday’s game marked the end of an unforgettable chapter for Deion Sanders and his sons, Shedeur and Shilo Sanders. After the game, the family posed for photos, reflecting on their journey together. “Do you know how long this journey has been with me and my kids?” Deion said. “There’s been a lot of ups and downs and ins and outs, a lot of adverse situations, a lot of highlights. It’s unbelievable to think that it’s the conclusion of the matter, just here. That’s tough.”
While the Buffaloes still have a bowl game to look forward to, Friday night felt like a fitting sendoff for a team—and a player—that has captured the imagination of college football fans everywhere. Travis Hunter isn’t just a Heisman contender; he’s a once-in-a-generation talent. And if Friday was any indication, he’s ready to take his place among the legends of the game.
Originally Written by: Adam Rittenberg
