Sam Acho on Travis Hunter: 'I would say he is the front runner' for Heisman Trophy if Colorado continues to win

ESPN’s Sam Acho loves Travis Hunter as the Heisman Trophy frontrunner as long as he stays healthy and Colorado keeps winning.

A 4-1 this season, Colorado already equaled last season’s win total so there seems to be significant improvement. Not only that, Hunter is playing at a higher level than 2023 on both sides of the ball.

The two-way star has an argument for best player in college football so in turn, Hunter could very well win the Heisman.

“He’s so much fun to watch,” Acho told On3. “I think he can win it this year. And I would say he probably is the front runner. Travis Hunter is doing it on both sides of the ball. He plays offense, he plays defense, got an interception last week, scored a touchdown. That’s what he does. And so if there’s anyone who could win the Heisman as a two way player, as a defensive star? It’s Travis Hunter.” 

Acho then hit the brakes regarding Hunter as the top contender for the award. It’s not to put him at the top, but he mentioned Colorado’s ability to win as the biggest factor later this season.

“There could be something to be said about maybe some of the quarterbacks we’re going to try and compete with him for the Heisman,” Acho said. “But as of now, a few weeks in, not even halfway through the season, Travis Hunter, for me, is the front runner. I’m trying to think of who else. I mean Jalen Milroe is up there as well. Yeah, I wouldn’t say front runner, let’s let the season go on. Colorado is winning. If you want to win a Heisman, you got to win right? So if Colorado continues to win, they beat UCF, lot of people didn’t expect it … 

“If Colorado continues to win and Travis Hunter continues to dominate on both sides, remember, he was doing it last year and he got injured. There was a conversation about him being the Heisman winner last year that he got injured.”

Does Colorado have to compete for trophies for Hunter to win the Heisman? That might be the case in the voter’s eyes.

“Let’s say Colorado competes for a Big 12 championship game, he’s the reason why,” Acho said. “But I think there’s definitely an opportunity between him, between Jalen Milroe. I’m not sure what else I’m missing right now, but those are the two first names that come to mind when I talk about Heisman right now.”

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