Colorado Buffs Travis Hunter Wins the Heisman

And finally the name is in. The best player in college football has been crowned. On Saturday evening, the Colorado Buffs’ Travis Hunter wins the coveted Heisman award.

The Heisman Memorial Trophy, also known simply as the Heisman Trophy; is awarded annually since 1935 to the top player in college football. It is considered the most prestigious award in college football and is presented by the Heisman Trophy Trust in early December. The top ten finalists of this year’s honors were a nice mix of QBs, RB, TE, and WR/DB. They included:

• Aston Jeanty
• Cam Ward
• Travis Hunter
• Dillion Gabriel
• Shedeur Sanders
• Cam Skattebo
• Kyle McCord
• Bryson Daily
• Kurtis Rourke
• Tyler Warren

However, those voting had a tough time this year deciding a winner. The top two finalists only had a 14 point difference. This is the smallest margin of victory since 2009.

Nevertheless, if you are curious on how a winner is selected each year. The Heisman award is determined by 928 voters including media members, as well as living past Heisman winners and one fan vote. Hunter received 552 first-place votes, 2,231 points from voters overall and earned 80.14% of the possible points, but his victory over runner-up Jeanty was no runaway. Aston Jeanty garnered 309 first place votes and finished with 2,017 points. As one can see, this race for the trophy was tight indeed.

Another Two-Way Player Wins the Heisman

But some history was made. And as you know we love a nice historical element to any sports event. By winning, Travis Hunter became just the second two-way player to win the Heisman Trophy.

Can you guess the first two-way player to hoist the Heisman? Here’s a couple of hints: He was drafted to the NFL in 1998. Spent 18 seasons playing for the Oakland Raiders and Green Bay Packers. He also spent his first 14 seasons as a cornerback and his final four as a safety. Last fun fact, last chance… this athlete played college football for the Michigan Wolverines. Alright, times up, if you guessed Charles Woodson, congratulations you are a Heisman historian genius.

Woodson and Hunter now standalone in Heisman history. Oh… but one last fact we can’t help but bring up. Woodson won the Heisman over Tennessee’s Peyton Manning, making him the first two-way player in a generation to win the award.

But getting back to Travis Hunter. Upon accepting his accolades tonight, he thanked his coach and fellow teammate. Hunter states,

“I want to thank Coach Prime, Shedeur. Man, y’all changed my life forever. That one simple phone call, Shedeur. Look where I’m at. Man, that’s crazy, bro. It’s crazy.

I’m trying not to get emotional because I know our last game is coming up soon. Coach Prime, I’m gonna whoop you on that lake tomorrow or whenever we get the chance. But thank you, man, you changed my life forever.”

Colorado Buffs Travis Hunter Wins the Heisman

Hunter became Colorado’s second Heisman winner after running back Rashaan Salaam. Salaam won the award in 1994 after recording 2,055 rushing yards and 24 touchdowns that season. This season, Hunter led Colorado with 1,152 receiving yards and led the Big 12 with 14 receiving touchdowns. Defensively, he has 32 total tackles, four interceptions and one forced fumble. Hunter surely impressed being able to do work on both sides of the ball.

Furthermore, his elite play is getting recognition from everywhere. Hunter’s awards thus far:

• Bednarik Award
• Biletnikoff Award
• Walter Camp Player of the Year Award
• Lott Impact Trophy
• Paul Hormung Award
• Big 12 Defensive Player of the Year
• AP Player of the Year

Nice. And now he can add a glistening Heisman to his award cabinet. Travis Hunter has come a long way and he has been beyond exciting to watch in college football. Therefore, we can’t wait to see what he does at the next level… in the NFL.

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