Deion Sanders passes verdict on Travis Hunter’s Heisman chances following 52-0 win over Oklahoma

Travis Hunter can almost taste the Heisman Trophy after a three touchdown outing against the Oklahoma State Cowboys.


Deion Sanders passes verdict on Travis Hunter’s Heisman chances following 52-0 win over Oklahoma

Travis Hunter and Deion Sanders (Image via IMAGO/X)

Even though star running back Ashton Jeanty rushed for 226 yards and a touchdown for Boise State on Friday, it will not likely be enough for him to secure the Heisman Trophy. Jeanty’s rival Colorado’s Travis Hunter capped off a career game for Colorado, making his case as the best player in college football.

The Buffaloes faced off against the 3-8 Oklahoma State Cowboys on Friday. Deion Sanders’ team required a win to keep their playoff hopes alive, which they achieved in style. Buffaloes thrashed the Cowboys 0-52 and ended the campaign with a 9-3 record.

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Travis Hunter made an impact on both the offense and defense. After an early interception from Maealiuaki Smith, Hunter went on to add three touchdowns to the Buffaloes cause. After the game, Sanders spoke with the media and reiterated that the 21-year-old deserves the Heisman Trophy after being snubbed for the Jim Thorpe Award.

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I think Travis [Hunter] clinched the Heisman with his performance. He made a lot of people aware of how ignorant that was with the Thorpe Award.

Deion Sanders said

The Hall of Famer also pointed out quarterback Shedeur Sanders’ match-winning performance—completing 438 yards and five touchdowns. Sanders argued that Shedeur has to be part of the three finalists alongside Hunter during the Heisman ceremony.

Travis Hunter calls out his doubters after special performance against Oklahoma

Hunter had 10 receptions for 116 yards and a couple of tackles in the secondary besides the three scores. When asked to describe how he felt, Hunter gave an open take.

I am just playing football. They said I can’t do it [and that] I’m not a top receiver, So I had to show them.

Travis Hunter said via ABC
Deion Sanders passes verdict on Travis Hunter's Heisman chances following 52-0 win over Oklahoma
Travis Hunter (Image via IMAGO)

Hunter ended his junior year in Colorado with 1,152 yards and 14 touchdowns on 92 catches, along with four interceptions and 11 pass deflections as a cornerback. He crossed 100 yards seven times (his best was 153 yards against the Cincinnati Bearcats).

Meanwhile, Ashton Jeanty has 2,288 yards and 28 touchdowns on the ground, earning his place (fifth) in all-time in FBS single-season rushing yards. However, it’s uncertain if these numbers are enough for the 20-year-old to clinch the Heisman over Hunter. He still has the Mountain West Championship to look forward to.

Hunter, on the other hand, doesn’t have the same luxury. Even if he is the Heisman favorite, he might miss out on playing not just post-season football but also the BIG 12 Championship depending on the results elsewhere. So, the season is not over yet, and there’s also the possibility of Hunter returning back to Colorado next year to finish his senior year.

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