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Colorado football star Travis Hunter finds himself squarely in the Heisman trophy mix midway through the 2024 season. The two-way talent leads the Buffs in both receiving and interceptions, making him the closest thing we’ve seen to a Charles Woodson in nearly three decades.
That said, he’s got plenty of competition when it comes to being named college football’s best player. He recently discussed his Heisman hopes while somewhat downplaying the historic production of another NCAA superstar.
Ashton Jeanty currently leads the nation in rushing, totaling over 1,200 yards on just over 120 attempts. His 9.9 yard-per-carry average is a full yard above the next closest player as he aims to take down a number of marks in the all-time record books.
Barry Sanders ran for 2,628 yards in the regular season of 1988. He added 222 more in a five-touchdown Holiday Bowl performance against Wyoming.
That, along with his 37 scores in the campaign, has been the number to beat since.
Sanders did it in 11 games. Jeanty has a chance to best the mark, and he’ll have an extra game to do so. Boise State plays 12 contests in the regular season this year, and through six matchups, their star tailback is in the hunt.
That comes despite the fact that he’s been on the bench in the second half of Broncos blowouts.
Jeanty is a walking highlight! He’s also the betting favorite to win the Heisman trophy.
The numbers haven’t impressed Travis Hunter, who believes he’s not more deserving of being called the sport’s best player.
Travis Hunter downplayed Ashton Jeanty’s production.
The WR/DB sat down with former Heisman winner Robert Griffin to talk about his contention. He says that if he had as many touches as Jeanty, his numbers would be similar – or better!
“Nobody’s done what I’ve done and put up the numbers I have on both sides of the ball,” he said. “I’ve got a whole stat sheet on both sides of the ball, and I’m playing the whole game. You never see me tired…
“I mean, y’all see Ashton Jeanty. It’s not like we haven’t seen a running back that’s good. We haven’t seen a player that plays both ways and I’m going to keep saying that.”
Hunter insists that playing two positions at the highest level is more impressive than what’s been done in Boise. He urges Heisman voters to consider the difficult task when casting their votes.
Arguments aside, both players have been incredible to date. Enjoy it while you can, because they’ll be gone come season’s end!