Travis Hunter's unbreakable bond with Deion Sanders dissolved all doubts over Colorado move: "Nah, I can't leave him"
Colorado Buffaloes star Travis Hunter’s unshakable bond with coach Deion Sanders cleared up any doubts he had about his move to Colorado.
In an interview with former cornerback Richard Sherman on "The Richard Sherman Podcast," the University of Colorado standout and top 2025 NFL Draft prospect opened up about his transition from Jackson State to Colorado.
Reflecting on his time at Jackson State, Hunter admitted he was initially unsure about the move. But in the end, his loyalty to Sanders and the support he received during his recovery from multiple surgeries made the decision clear.
“So, me coming to Colorado for the first time, when I visit after our game, I was like, I don't know if I want to be here,” Hunter said. “I didn't think I wanted to be here, so it took me a minute for me to decide if I wanted to come here or not. But I knew me and Coach Prime, we had that bond.” [Timestamp - 6:14]
Hunter spoke about how his relationship with Sanders deepened during his recovery from three surgeries, saying the care and support he received solidified his commitment.
“It's just like, I'm not gonna find it anywhere else. And we just been growing that bun over that, that one year that we spent at Jackson State, and me going through them three surgeries, and him just looking out for me, and the coaching staff looking out for me.
“While I was in that moment going through three surgeries for like, three months, it made me just have a flashback, like, Nah, I can't leave him,” he said. “I got to be with him.”
Hunter entered the transfer portal on Dec. 18, 2022, right after Jackson State’s loss in the Celebration Bowl. By the first day of the early signing period, he had officially committed to Colorado, following Sanders as part of a wave of players moving with him after his successful run at Jackson State.
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Heisman candidate Travis Hunter was the No. 1 overall recruit in the Class of 2022
Former Jackson State coach Deion Sanders led the Tigers to an impressive 27-6 record over three seasons, including a standout 12-1 finish in 2022. One of his top players, Hunter — the No. 1 overall recruit in the Class of 2022 — originally committed to Florida State before switching to Jackson State in Dec. 2021.
In his freshman year, Hunter proved himself as a dynamic player on both sides of the ball. He recorded 19 tackles and two interceptions on defense while also catching 18 passes for 190 yards and scoring four touchdowns on offense. His impact was key to Jackson State’s successful 12-1 season.
Since transferring, Hunter has continued to shine, earning recognition for his exceptional play and drawing attention as a potential future NFL draft pick.