Travis Hunter joins elite list feat. Nikola Jokic & Nathan MacKinnon after eye-catching Heisman win
Travis Hunter won the 2024 Heisman Trophy after capping off a fabulous regular season with the Colorado Buffaloes. He pipped Boise State Broncos running back Ashton Jeanty, Miami Hurricanes quarterback Cam Ward and Oregon Ducks signal-caller Dillon Gabriel to claim the coveted college football honor.
Hunter has now joined an elite list of MVPs who have won honors from sports teams in the state of Denver this year.
In May, Denver Nuggets star Nikola Jokic was named the 2023-24 NBA MVP. Meanwhile, in October, Colorado Avalance star Nathan MacKinnon won the Hart Memorial Trophy, which is the award given to the NHL MVP.
This is the first time in history that the Heisman winner, NBA MVP and NHL MVP are all from the same state. Hunter's brilliance in the 2024 college football season capped off a unique feat for Denver.
Travis Hunter tallied 1,152 yards and 14 touchdowns on 92 catches as a receiver. As a defensive back, he recorded 31 tackles, 11 passes deflected, four interceptions and one forced fumble in 12 games for Colorado.
Hunter began his collegiate career at Jackson State in 2022. After one season with the Tigers, he transferred to Colorado, following coach Deion Sanders.
Apart from the Heisman, Hunter won seven other individual accolades including the AP College Football Player of the Year, Big 12 Defensive Player of the Year, the Chuck Bednarik Award, the Fred Biletnikoff Award, the Lott IMPACT Trophy, the Paul Hornung Award and the Walter Camp Award.
Travis Hunter likely to play final game for Colorado in 2024 Alamo Bowl
Travis Hunter is expected to play his final game for Colorado when the Buffs take on the BYU Cougars in the Alamo Bowl on Dec. 28. The two-way star is expected to declare for the 2025 NFL draft.
Hunter is projected to be a top-10 pick in next year's draft. The bowl game will allow the Colorado player to boost his draft stock even further.
Do you think Travis Hunter deserved to win the Heisman Trophy this season? DO you think Ashton Jeanty should have won instead? Let us know your thoughts in the comments section below.