- RVM News - https://www.rvmnews.com -

Colorado’s Travis Hunter Wins Heisman Trophy, Makes College Football History [WATCH]

Posted By RVM Sports Staff On In Sports | 1 Comment

Travis Hunter, Colorado’s standout two-way player, secured [1] the 2024 Heisman Trophy on Saturday night, cementing his place as one of college football’s most exceptional athletes.

The announcement came after a close race, with Hunter edging out Boise State running back Ashton Jeanty, Oregon quarterback Dillon Gabriel, and Miami quarterback Cam Ward for the prestigious award.

In an emotional moment during the ceremony, Hunter embraced Colorado head coach Deion Sanders, affectionately known as “Coach Prime,” while wiping away tears. “I thank God, man. I never thought I’d be in this position,” Hunter said during his acceptance speech.

Hunter earned 552 first-place votes to Jeanty’s 309, marking the closest Heisman race since 2009.

The top two contenders were significantly ahead of the other finalists, reflecting their dominant performances throughout the season.

Hunter, 21, delivered one of the most remarkable seasons in college football history, excelling as both a wide receiver and a cornerback.

Over the course of the season, he played an astounding 1,380 total snaps, rarely leaving the field. This included 670 snaps on offense, 686 on defense, and 24 on special teams.

On offense, Hunter recorded 92 receptions for 1,152 yards and 14 touchdowns, earning him the Biletnikoff Award as the nation’s top wide receiver.

Defensively, he tallied 31 tackles, 11 pass breakups, and four interceptions, which helped him claim the Bednarik Award as the nation’s best defensive player.

Hunter is the first player in college football history to win both the Bednarik and Biletnikoff Awards in the same season.

Hunter’s versatility was crucial to Colorado’s success this year. Alongside quarterback Shedeur Sanders, he led the Buffaloes to a 9-3 record.

The team narrowly missed qualifying for the Big 12 championship game, capping off a remarkable turnaround under Coach Prime’s leadership.

Boise State’s Ashton Jeanty finished second in the Heisman voting after an extraordinary season as a running back.

Image Credit: © Lucas Boland-Imagn Images
Dec 14, 2024; New York, NY, USA; Boise State Broncos running back Ashton Jeanty smiles on stage during a press conference before the 2024 Heisman Trophy Presentation. Mandatory Credit: Lucas Boland-Imagn Images

Jeanty rushed for 2,497 yards and 29 touchdowns on 344 carries, averaging an impressive 7.3 yards per carry.

His dominant performances helped Boise State secure the No. 3 seed in the College Football Playoff, earning them a first-round bye.

The Broncos will face the winner of the SMU-Penn State matchup.

Jeanty’s video game-like stats placed him among the greatest running backs in college football history, but it wasn’t enough to surpass Hunter’s historic contributions on both sides of the ball.

Hunter’s Heisman win highlights a transformative season for Colorado football.

Under Deion Sanders’ guidance, the Buffaloes emerged as one of the most exciting teams in college football, with Hunter’s two-way dominance setting a new standard for individual excellence.

His achievements will likely be remembered as one of the most unique and impactful seasons in the history of the sport.