Deion: Hunter 'clinched the Heisman' with historic performance
Deion Sanders believes the race for the 2024 Heisman Trophy is over.
The Colorado head coach said Friday that two-way star Travis Hunter secured college football's most prestigious individual award with his historic showing during the Buffaloes' 52-0 win over Oklahoma State.
"Travis clinched the Heisman with his performance," Sanders said postgame, according to Fox Sports.
Hunter played 144 total snaps against the Cowboys and made a big impact on both sides of the ball once again. He finished the day with 10 receptions for 116 yards and three touchdowns, while recording two pass breakups and one interception on defense.
He is the first FBS player over the last 25 seasons with three scrimmage TDs and a defensive INT in a game, according to ESPN's Jordan Reid. Hunter's signature performance came just days after he didn't make the cut as one of the three finalists for the Jim Thorpe Award, which is given annually to the nation's best defensive back.
"He made a lot of people aware of how ignorant they was with the Thorpe," Sanders added of Hunter. "His performance today, what did he have? Three touchdowns, 100 yards, and an interception? And two passes broken up. He should have had another pick, hit him right in the darn chest. I'm not happy with that, but I'm happy with him."
This year's finalists for the Jim Thorpe Award are Georgia safety Malaki Starks, Texas defender Jahdae Barron, and Ohio State star Caleb Downs.
Hunter entered Friday's contest versus Oklahoma State as the favorite for the Heisman after catching 82 passes for 1,036 yards and 11 touchdowns in his first 11 appearances this season. He also had a rushing TD to go along with 31 tackles (one for loss), nine pass breakups, three interceptions, and one forced fumble.
Hunter's biggest rival for the Heisman Trophy this year - Boise State running back Ashton Jeanty - also put on a show Friday, carrying the ball 37 times for 226 yards and one touchdown in a 34-18 victory over Oregon State.
Jeanty now has 29 total touchdowns and 2,288 rushing yards in 2024, the fifth most in a single season in FBS history. Barry Sanders holds the record after posting 2,628 yards on the ground in 1988.