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Travis Hunter, Deion Sanders share emotional embrace after Colorado star wins Heisman Trophy

On3 imageby:Andrew Graham•12/14/24•

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Travis Hunter and Deion Sanders by Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
(Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images)

Colorado two-way star Travis Hunter is particularly close with his head coach Deion Sanders. And never was that clearer than after Hunter won the Heisman Trophy as the most outstanding player in college football in 2024.

Hunter, emotional in the moments after hearing his name called, went to embrace a line of those closest to him, including some family and Sanders. When he got to his head coach, the two shared a length embrace.

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And over the applause and muffled through clothing, one message could be heard clearly.

“Love you,” they said to each other, among other well wishes.

Boise State running back Ashton Jeanty finished second, as Miami quarterback Cam Ward and Oregon quarterback Dillon Gabriel finished third and fourth, respectively. It’s the first non-quarterback to win the award since Alabama wideout DeVonta Smith won in 2020.

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Hunter and Jeanty emerged as the clear favorites and contenders for the award during the final stretch of the season. Hunter dazzled with his two-way play as Colorado rolled to 9-3 and Jeanty entered the rare-air of Barry Sanders comparisons and led Boise State to the College Football Playoff. Each won awards as the top players at a respective position they play for the 2024 season.

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But in the end, it was Hunter who won out with a season unlike any in modern college football. He joins Michigan legend Charles Woodson as the only other full-time defender to win the award. But Hunter, unlike Woodson, played full-time on offense, too. There have been numerous two-way stars — like Woodson, Champ Bailey and Chris Gamble — but none achieved both ways quite like Hunter did in 2024 as a defensive back and wide receiver.

Hunter caught 92 passes for 1,152 yards and 14 touchdowns as one of the top receivers in all of college football. Then, defensively, he had 32 tackles, 11 deflections, four interceptions, and a forced fumble at corner.

It was a campaign that had Hunter’s teammates and Sanders stumping for him to win the award.

“I think Travis clinched the Heisman,” Sanders said after Colorado’s season finale win, before pausing and then starting up again. “Thank you God, for stopping me. Because I almost said something. I think Travis clinched the Heisman with his performance. I think he made a lot of people aware of how ignorant they was with the Thorpe. His performance today, what’d he have? Three touchdowns, 100 yards and an interception and two passes broken up. Should’ve had another pick. Hit him right in the darn chest. I’m not happy about that, but I’m happy with him. But it’s phenomenal.”