Travis Hunter, an extraordinary two-way player for Colorado, made history by winning the prestigious Heisman Memorial Trophy as college football’s most outstanding player in 2024. Playing nearly 1,400 snaps across offense and defense, Hunter was a key factor in Colorado’s remarkable improvement, helping the team win five more games than the previous season.
This win marks Colorado’s second Heisman Trophy, following running back Rashaan Salaam’s victory in 1994.
Breaking the Quarterback Dominance
Hunter’s Heisman win broke a long-standing trend, as quarterbacks have dominated the award, with 20 of the 23 winners since 2000 playing QB. Notably, Hunter joins a short list of non-quarterback winners in the 21st century, including Alabama’s Mark Ingram (2009), Derrick Henry (2015), and DeVonta Smith (2020).
2024 Heisman Trophy Voting Results
Hunter secured the Heisman with overwhelming support, receiving 552 first-place votes and 2,231 total points. Here’s a breakdown of the top contenders:
- Travis Hunter (Colorado): 2,231 points
- Ashton Jeanty (Boise State, RB): 2,017 points
- Dillon Gabriel (Oregon, QB): 516 points
- Cam Ward (Miami, QB): 229 points
Hunter was named on 93.32% of ballots and dominated five of the six voting regions.
Hunter’s Stellar 2024 Season
Hunter’s 2024 season was a masterclass in versatility and dominance, earning him several prestigious awards:
- Biletnikoff Award: Best wide receiver
- Bednarik Award: Best defensive player
- Hornung Award: Most versatile player (second consecutive win)
- Walter Camp Award: Most outstanding player
- AP Player of the Year
Despite not being a finalist for the Jim Thorpe Award (best defensive back), a decision that upset his coach Deion Sanders, Hunter’s accolades showcase his unmatched talent.
From Jackson State to Colorado: Hunter’s Remarkable Journey
Hunter’s path to stardom began in 2021 when he shocked the football world by committing to Jackson State, an FCS school, to play under Deion Sanders, the Pro Football Hall of Famer often regarded as the greatest cornerback in history. Hunter said he wanted to honor the legacy of Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) and their legendary players.
During his freshman season at Jackson State, Hunter made an immediate impact:
- Offense: 18 catches and 4 touchdowns
- Defense: 2 interceptions, 8 passes defended
His efforts helped Jackson State achieve a 12-1 record, a SWAC championship, and earned him Freshman of the Year honors.
The Colorado Revival
After his freshman year, Hunter, along with Coach Sanders and several teammates, transferred to Colorado. Together, they revitalized a program that had gone just 1-11 the previous year.
In a recent interview on The Pivot podcast, Hunter reflected on his life-changing decision to follow Sanders:
“I don’t know where I’d be… It gets you kind of emotional because it changed my life forever. I don’t know where I’d be if I went to Florida State.”
Quiet but Determined: The Personality Behind the Talent
Off the field, Hunter is known for his calm demeanor. The night before winning the Heisman, he revealed he was watching fishing videos to relax. Once a basketball player, Hunter has allowed his football skills to speak for themselves, earning him a place among college football’s all-time greats.
Conclusion
Travis Hunter’s historic 2024 Heisman win is a testament to his incredible talent, dedication, and impact on the game. From Jackson State to Colorado, his journey has inspired countless fans and players alike, proving that hard work and bold decisions can change the course of a career.
