Travis Hunter is crowned 2024 Heisman Trophy winner
Colorado’s Travis Hunter has won the 2024 Heisman Trophy, beating Boise State’s Ashton Jeanty, Miami’s Cam Ward and Oregon’s Dillon Gabriel for college football’s most prestigious award.
Hunter entered the night as the slight favorite after winning the Associated Press’ College Football Player of the Year Award earlier in the week.
The Buffaloes star becomes the first Heisman winner to be a starter on his team’s defense since 1997, when Charles Woodson took home the bronze trophy.
Hunter became undeniable at the sport’s mountaintop for his ability as a two-way player, with questions surrounding what, if he were either, he would specialize in at the professional level.
Hunter started his college career at Jackson State as a five-star recruit before transferring to a school at the FCS level where he was coached by Deion Sanders.
When Sanders took the job at Colorado, Hunter followed him to Boulder and took his game to the next level.
Colorado star Travis Hunter won the Heisman Trophy on Saturday night in New York City
Travis Hunter was crowned with the honor over Ashton Jeanty, Cam Ward and Dillon Gabriel
On offense, Hunter had 92 catches for 1,152 yards and 14 touchdowns this season.
In the secondary, Hunter had 32 tackles, four interceptions, a forced fumble and 11 pass breakups.
Hunter was emotional as he spoke about his family after receiving the award on stage wearing a light blue suit.
Sanders sat in the front row of the audience and watched Hunter win the award, next to his son and Colorado quarterback Shedeur Sanders.
“Coach Prime, Shedeur, you guys changed my life forever. That one simple phone call Shedeur, look where I am. That’s crazy, bro,” Hunter said.
Both Hunter and Sanders are projected to be selected in the first ten picks of the 2025 NFL Draft.
Hunter is the second Heisman Trophy winner from Colorado after Rashaan Salaam won the award in 1994.