Joel Klatt makes definitive statement on Travis Hunter's Heisman Trophy chances
Colorado’s Travis Hunter is currently seventh nationally with 342 receiving yards. He’s second in the nation with 30 receptions. And he’s tied for second among all FBS players with five touchdown grabs.
Meanwhile, he’s defended three passes — and picked off one of them, which he returned this past weekend for 38 yards against Colorado State — while allowing just 6.8 yards per reception this season, according to Pro Football Focus.
Switching between wide receiver and cornerback, Hunter has played 380 total offensive and defensive snaps in three weeks of competition, per PFF. FOX Sports analyst Joel Klatt didn’t hold back when effusing about the two-way star Monday.
“Colorado’s probably not going to the playoff. Colorado’s probably not winning the national championship. And Travis Hunter probably belongs in New York,” Klatt said on his show.
“I know it’s only three games, but if he continues this at all, like at all — a percentage of what he’s doing — he belongs in New York. Another 123 snaps. That is bonkers, by the way. And those 123 snaps for Travis Hunter? Season low: 59 on offense, 64 on defense. He had 13 catches for 100 yards and two touchdowns. That’s like Biletnikoff style numbers.”
Klatt added: “Oh, and he had five tackles and an incredible interception, which he returned for 38 yards. And oh by the way, he ran down a CSU ball carrier after a 62-yard run. I mean, the guy is just like — he’s absolutely phenomenal.”
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Hunter was a big name coming out of Suwanee, Georgia, when he was the On3 Industry Ranking’s No. 2 overall prospect in the 2022 class. Hunter picked FCS Jackson State and became an instant standout under head coach Deion Sanders, who he then followed to Colorado ahead of the 2023 season.
Hunter piled up 1,044 offensive and defensive snaps in his first year with the Buffaloes, per PFF, despite missing three games because of a lacerated liver. He intercepted a trio of passes, broke up five others and registered 31 total tackles, in addition to reeling in 57 catches for 721 yards and five scores.
This year, the Collins Hill High School product has been even more impressive.
“I want to talk about the fact that we’re getting to see something that we’ve never seen in college football, at least in the modern era,” Klatt said. “We’ve seen some great players that can play both ways — and maybe they’ll roll out there and maybe return a punt here or there — not a guy like this, not a guy that is clearly a guy that could win the Biletnikoff Award and the Thorpe [Award].
“He’s not only in the conversation as one of the best receivers in the country, he’s in the conversation as one of the best corners in the country. So again, how is he not in New York? Regardless of the way the season goes for Colorado, I’m just talking about him as a player. If this really is the most outstanding player in college football, how does Travis, if he can continue this at all, how is he not in New York as a finalist for that trophy?”
Klatt went on step further: “And by the way, if he continues it on this pace, and we see him at the end of the year with 12 or 1,300 receiving yards, over 100 catches, with 12-13 touchdowns receiving and 6-8 interceptions, he should win it.”
Klatt said that the only other player who could possibly have as great of an impact — and perhaps an even greater impact — is a quarterback, which Klatt conceded will probably win the award.
But, in Klatt’s eyes, the two-way ability of Hunter most be recognized, no matter how many games Colorado wins this season. The Buffs are 2-1 but could very well struggle in conference play for the second year in a row. Last year, Colorado finished 4-8 after starting 3-0.
It’s worth noting only one player has won the Heisman while playing for a team with a losing record, and that was Notre Dame’s Paul Hornung in 1956. It’s been quite some time.
Then again, Hunter is a generational talent.
“He’s one of the best players in the country,” Klatt said. “And to this point, this guy belongs in New York, at least in the first month of the season.”