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How Travis Hunter may change the Heisman conversation.
The storied Heisman Trophy, awarded annually since 1935, is intended to recognize the most outstanding player in college football. It’s not just about numbers or individual achievements, but a combination of on-field performance, leadership, and overall impact on the game. While its roots go deep into the traditions of college football, the Heisman has long been seen as the award of individual achievement.
In recent history, this award has overwhelmingly favored quarterbacks. Since 2000 there has only been four non-quarterbacks to win the award, and there has only been one defensive player to ever win it. This was never supposed to be an award just for QBs. It’s supposed to go to the best player in the country, regardless of position. This hasn’t been the case in a long time, and who better to change the narrative around the Heisman than Travis Hunter?
Travis Hunter’s 2024 Season:
Enter Travis Hunter, the rarest of rare players. Hunter isn’t just a great player on one side of the ball—he’s dominant on both. In a sport where players specialize in either offense or defense, Hunter is out there making game-changing plays as a cornerback and wide receiver. He’s logging more snaps than anyone else on the field and producing at an elite level right now. With Hunter’s performance on Saturday night making national headlines, we may have a case for the first Colorado Buffaloes Heisman winner since Rashaan Salaam in 1994.
Whether it’s shutting down top receivers, snagging interceptions, or making clutch catches, Hunter is constantly the difference maker for Colorado. He is a legitimate two-way star, something we haven’t seen at this level of success in decades. As of Saturday, Hunter has now recorded five straight games with 100 receiving yards, something no other Buff has ever achieved. Defensively, Hunter is also a game-changer, with our next opponent’s (UCF) head coach, Gus Malzahn, adding today, “it’s not even close.” Whether you’re talking about his endurance or his elite performances on the field, Hunter has made it clear that he’s not just a good two-way player—he’s an elite one.
Why Travis Hunter’s Case is Unique
Making a Heisman decision with Travis Hunter isn’t just hard—it’s unprecedented. How do you compare a two-way player to top quarterbacks, like Cam Ward or Jalen Milroe, who are only focused on one role? Quarterbacks are often judged by their efficiency, touchdowns, and leadership under center. For Travis Hunter, it’s about so much more. He’s making plays on both sides of the ball, sometimes in the same series, in situations where the game is on the line. He is also as outspoken among this team as anybody. Travis is also often the man responsible for getting players on the same page, and directing the defense. This level of play and leadership can’t be topped anywhere else.
You can’t judge Hunter solely on receiving yards or interceptions either, because his value is far greater than just stats. His impact changes how opposing teams approach the game entirely. He’s a constant threat in coverage, a dangerous target on offense, and a player who embodies versatility. Unfortunately, because of how unique his role is, it feels like voters might not know what to do with him. Travis Hunter enters into week five as the eighth most likely player to win the Heisman according to sportsbooks while online polls are in overwhelming support of Hunter.
The Trophy’s Bias Toward Quarterbacks
Skill players like wide receivers, running backs, and defensive backs are often underrepresented when it comes to Heisman voting. It’s not because they aren’t game-changers, but because the stats that traditionally win Heisman's don’t fully capture their impact. You can rack up a ton of receiving yards or make game-saving defensive plays, but if you’re not under center, it feels like you’re already behind in the Heisman race. This year’s voting may show the true bias behind the award more than ever, and to me it begs the question: do we need a new award?
Time for a New Award?
Maybe it’s time we rethink how we award greatness in college football. The Heisman Trophy, as iconic as it is, seems increasingly limited in recognizing true versatility. While the Heisman will always hold a special place in the sport, it has become an award for the quarterback on the best team. It is no longer an award that is a representation of the best overall player in the country. We currently have awards recognizing the best players at each position, and also the Heisman award, but I still feel like recognizing who was the most impactful player in the country on each side of the ball could be a good start.
Preferably, for players like Travis Hunter—true game-changers who excel in multiple roles—we need something else. An award that honors the most impactful player, regardless of position. It’s time to recognize that football isn’t just about throwing touchdowns; it’s about both dominance and versatility. Whether it’s through adding a new award or redefining what the Heisman stands for, college football needs to expand how it celebrates and recognizes its most outstanding players.
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by Jacob.Thompson
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