Colorado's Travis Hunter wins the Heisman Trophy
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Travis Hunter. Photo: Dustin Bradford/Getty Images
The "HE12MAN" nickname started as a playful nod to Travis Hunter's potential, but it might as well be his official title now.
The big picture: Hunter received the Heisman Trophy on Saturday, crowning him college football's most outstanding player. He became just the second University of Colorado athlete to earn the award.
Context: The wide receiver and cornerback is CU's first winner since running back Rashaan Salaam took home the award in 1994, during an era when Colorado was nationally prominent almost every season.
Why it matters: The win crystalizes a turnaround for the Buffaloes orchestrated by second-year head coach Deion Sanders, whose vivacious leadership style led CU to a 9-3 record.
- Colorado went a combined 9-27 over the previous three seasons.
State of play: Hunter dazzled all season for the Buffaloes, providing a singular offensive force with the backing of quarterback Shedeur Sanders.
- When he switched on defense, Hunter was equally remarkable: Hounding opposing players and making key defensive stops.
By the numbers: Hunter finished as team leader in catches (92), receiving yards (1,152), receiving touchdowns (14), and interceptions (4).
- Altogether, he played a staggering 688 defensive and 672 offensive snaps.
Context: Hunter, who's from Georgia, transferred to Colorado from Jackson State before the 2023 season, sticking with the elder Sanders after he was named CU's head coach in 2022.
Between the lines: Hunter is the first defensive player to win the prestigious honor since Michigan cornerback Charles Woodson in 1997.
What's next: The Colorado star said he will skip his senior season to enter the 2025 NFL Draft, where he's projected to be a top pick.