Although the news isn’t too much of a surprise, 2024 will be the last time we see Colorado two-way star Travis Hunter play college football. On Thursday, the Buffs standout wide receiver and cornerback met with the media, revealing some much-anticipated plans regarding his future. Hunter, who started his collegiate career at HBCU Jackson State before following his head coach Deion Sanders to Colorado, is a Heisman frontrunner. He has also helped lead Colorado to an 8-2 season so far, and the Buffs are tied for second in the Big 12 with a chance at a College Football Playoff bid.
Hunter’s NFL Aspirations
On Thursday, Hunter officially announced that he would be forgoing his 2025 season of NCAA eligibility and entering his name into the 2025 NFL draft. Speaking to reporters on a Zoom call, he confirmed that he will start his NFL career following the 2024 college football season. Perhaps more importantly, Hunter expressed his desire to continue playing both ways in the NFL, a rarity in today’s game. Currently, he excels as both a receiver and a defensive back for the Buffs.
Hunter’s determination to play both ways is noteworthy. "It’s never been done," he stated, acknowledging the risks involved. "I understand that it will be a high risk; teams don’t want their top pick to go down too early. But I believe I can do it. Nobody has stopped me from doing it thus far." His confidence is palpable, and it raises an intriguing question: will NFL teams be willing to take a chance on a player who wants to defy convention?
Travis Hunter’s 2024 Stats
It’s hard to encapsulate just how good Hunter is each and every week. Not only is he lighting up the Colorado stat sheet, but he is also playing virtually every snap on both offense and defense for the Buffs this season. Remarkably, he has managed to stay relatively healthy throughout the year.
Here’s how Hunter’s numbers stack up in 2024:
- 74 receptions for 911 yards and nine touchdowns, averaging 12.3 yards per reception
- 23 total tackles with three interceptions and a forced fumble
- Leads Colorado in both receiving yards and pass breakups
The last two-way star to win the Heisman was Charles Woodson from Michigan in 1997. During Woodson’s Heisman-winning season, he had 11 receptions for 231 yards and two touchdowns, alongside seven interceptions on defense. What’s most impressive about Hunter? He’s playing far more snaps than Woodson did, averaging over 110 per game.
What Does the Future Hold?
Even before the news of Hunter’s announcement broke, Colorado’s star player was at the top of various NFL mock draft boards for 2025. In the most recent Pro Football Focus mock draft, Hunter was projected to be selected No. 1 overall by the Jacksonville Jaguars. This speaks volumes about his unique skill set and the potential he brings to the professional level.
Hunter’s versatility is a significant talking point among scouts. As a receiver, he has averaged 2.35 yards per route run in 2024, while as a cornerback, he has earned an elite 88.2 PFF coverage grade. This dual-threat capability makes him one of the most intriguing prospects in recent memory.
However, the question remains: will NFL teams allow him to play both ways? There is a real chance that Hunter’s teammate, quarterback Shedeur Sanders, could also enter the 2025 NFL draft. Although he hasn’t made an official announcement, Sanders is expected to be a projected first-round draft pick in what is shaping up to be a weak draft class for quarterbacks.
Coaching Insights
Hunter’s head coach, Deion Sanders, has already made comments about his ability to play both ways at the next level. "Yes, because a lot of teams are tempo, so he doesn’t get a lot of rest," Sanders said earlier this season. "And just think about this: I just got finished talking to scouts about this, about what he can and cannot do. Pros go to huddle. So he’s even getting more time to rest."
This insight from Sanders highlights the unique dynamics of college football compared to the NFL. With limited contact in practices and a more structured game environment, Hunter could thrive as a dual-threat player in the professional ranks.
Memorable Moments
One of Hunter’s most impressive plays came against Baylor earlier in the season. On the Bears’ touchdown attempt that would have sent the game to double-overtime, Hunter forced a game-winning fumble. During that game, he also finished with seven receptions for 130 yards. His best game as a receiver came during Colorado’s Oct. 26 win over Cincinnati, where he had a season-high nine catches for 153 yards and two touchdowns.
As the 2024 season progresses, fans are eager to see if Hunter can add a Heisman and a Big 12 championship to his resume before he heads to the NFL. His electrifying performances and strong work ethic have made him a household name in college football, and with the draft on the horizon, the excitement surrounding his future is palpable.
Will Travis Hunter be the next big sensation in the NFL? Only time will tell, but one thing is for sure: his journey is just beginning, and fans will be watching closely.
