Travis Hunter has been described as a player from a bygone era, playing both sides of the football and standing out as the best player on the field at all times.
That’s why he was named the winner of the 2024 Paul Hornung Award. It’s why he’s favored to win the Heisman Trophy, and it’s also why he is now the winner of the 2024 AP National Player of the Year.
“The Colorado Buffaloes’ two-way standout ( see: unicorn ) even celebrates at an elite level, unveiling imaginative dance moves following touchdowns and interceptions, some of which include the Heisman Trophy pose,” a release reads. “It’s one of the many awards he’s in line to win.
“Hunter is the The Associated Press college football player of the year, receiving 26 of 43 votes Thursday from a panel of AP Top 25 voters.”
It’s a good omen for his chances at winning a Heisman, too, as Colorado beat writer Brian Howell points out.
“Couldn’t do what I do without my team,” Hunter told the AP via email. “So I view being up for these awards as team awards.”
Hunter’s path to the top of college football was far from orthodox, as he chose to go and play for Deion Sanders, choosing Jackson State over Florida State out of high school. Then, he followed Coach Prime to Colorado, and under the tutelage of one of the best to ever do it, Hunter has found greatness.
“Coach Prime was the only coach who would consider allowing me to do what I’m doing. He did it and knows what it takes — how much you have to be ready on both sides of the ball.”
Hunter just turned in one of the most impressive seasons that college football fans will ever witness; he was a legitimate game-changer on both sides of the football.
The junior wideout led the nation with 21 offensive plays of 20 yards or more, led the Big 12 and was second nationally in touchdown receptions (14), led the Big 12 and was eighth nationally in passes defended (11), and was second in the Big 12 in receiving yards per game.
Hunter recorded 92 catches for 1,152 yards and 14 touchdowns on offense while collecting four interceptions, 11 PBUs, 32 tackles, one TFL, and one forced fumble.
He and Shedeur Sanders are set to play one last game at the collegiate level, a must-see contest against BYU in the 2024 Valero Alamo Bowl on December 28.
