Travis Hunter's renaissance continued Saturday, this time at the expense of a UCF side that found itself just on the outskirts of the AP Top 25.
Colorado's two-way star had plenty of eyes on his when he trotted onto FBC Mortgage Stadium, not the least of which belonged to All-Pro cornerback Richard Sherman . But Hunter lives for the spotlight. And between those white chalky white lines, nobody has more star power than the West Palm Beach, Florida, native.
Hunter did what Hunter tends to do against opposing sides, leaving the Golden Knights weary amid a haze of catches, deflections and everything in between. Colorado vanquished UCF, 48-21, and Hunter was arguably the biggest reason why.
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Late in the third quarter, Hunter put forth his most audacious effort. Lined up in zone coverage, Hunter made the most speedy of breaks on the ball, racing from five yards back to reel in K.J. Jefferson's errant toss.
He sealed the moment with bliss, striking that all-too-familiar Heisman pose as he made his way back to the sidelines.
Some might call Hunter's celebration premature. It's only September, after all. But his Heisman candidacy is firming up five weeks into the season, replete with eye-catching displays and those all-important Kodak moments Heisman hopefuls yearn for.
How do Hunter's chances at college football's top individual prize compare to that of some of his counterparts? Here's what you need to know.
Travis Hunter Heisman case
Hunter's case for the Heisman is a simple one. He's one of the best college football players on the planet, putting up All-American-level displays in not one but two of the sport's most challenging positions.
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His team doesn't figure to be competing for a national title nor a spot in the College Football Playoffs. But a 4-1 start puts the Buffs in prime position to secure a bowl game berth. That's not to mention the inalienable fact that Hunter is doing all of this while playing 130-plus snaps per contest, more than any other player in the nation.
"I play 130 snaps a game," Hunter told Charles Woodson in an interview which aired on Big Noon Kickoff prior to Saturday's game. "There ain't nobody out there doing 130 snaps a game and still putting up the right numbers."
Hunter's stats are undeniable. On Saturday, he recorded two tackles, one pass deflection and one interception, all while stuffing a player on fourth-and-goal. On the offensive side of the ball, Hunter added an additional nine catches for 89 yards and a score.
Hunter's prospects could change based off of results in Colorado's coming few matchups. Duels with No. 23 Kansas State and No. 10 Utah loom in the near and distant future for the Buffaloes. If Hunter can keep his level of performance up, those contests can quite easily become trampolines for Hunter to leap up the Heisman ladder.
"My main goal right now is to stay focused on my team and the individual awards will come," Hunter added.
Hunter will likely need some team success if he wants to get his hands on the bronze heirloom come the end of the season. In the past 30 years, no Heisman winner has seen his team lose more than three times in the year where he captured the trophy. The Buffaloes are at one defeat with seven games left. If they can stay in the win column, that could give Hunter an edge in voting.
There are a host of Heisman candidates making their presence felt in the world of college football this season, including Miami QB Cam Ward, Boise State RB Ashton Jeanty, Ole Miss QB Jaxson Dart and Alabama QB Jalen Milroe
Still, it's hard to argue anyone has as strong a case as Hunter through five games. Not only does Hunter have the production and the moments, he also has the endurance, something none of his counterparts can claim.
Health will have to be on Hunter's side; he missed games of the 2023 season due to a lacerated liver, successfully sinking his Heisman chances in the process.
Hunter exited Saturday's game deep in the fourth after appearing to land awkwardly after Jefferson found fellow defensive back Cam'Ron Silmon-Craig for a game-sealing interception. But he appeared in high spirits on the sideline, moving smoothly as he made his way around the outskirts of the field.
Assuming Hunter can stay fit for the remainder of the year, he's a serious frontrunner for college football's top prize. And it'll take some serious production elsewhere to displace him from the top of the Heisman charts.
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