Football fans voted Travis Hunter of the Colorado Buffaloes the 2024 Premier Player of College Football Award winner, and it’s safe to say that they had not seen anything like him at the FBS level in decades. Hunter isn’t just a player; he’s a phenomenon.
Sure, plenty of high school athletes thrive on both sides of the ball, but to translate that into dominance at the Power 5 level, in a conference as tough as the Big 12? That’s practically unheard of in modern college football. And yet, Hunter has done just that, redefining what’s possible for a college athlete.
Hunter was the heart and soul of Colorado’s team this season, playing every snap on both offense and defense. His insane fitness, relentless dedication, and unparalleled football IQ allowed him to perform at an elite level on both sides of the ball—a feat we might never see again. As a wide receiver, he posted jaw-dropping numbers: 92 receptions, 1,152 yards, and 15 total touchdowns. But that’s not all. On defense, the Suwanee, Georgia native was equally dominant, racking up 32 tackles, seven pass breakups, and four interceptions—all while rarely being targeted because opposing quarterbacks knew better than to test his cornerback skills.
Hunter isn’t just good at both positions—he’s elite. He’s an All-American on both sides of the ball, a weapon so versatile that he became head coach Deion Sanders’ ultimate chess piece. In the season’s first three games, he hauled in 30 catches for nearly 350 yards and five touchdowns, including a legendary performance against Colorado State. With the Buffs needing a win to avoid a 1-2 start after a tough loss to Nebraska, Hunter put the team on his back with 13 receptions, leading Colorado to a pivotal 28-9 victory.
Even in adversity, Hunter shone. Take the Kansas game—one of Colorado’s toughest losses of the year. Despite falling 37-21, Hunter racked up eight catches for 125 yards and two touchdowns, proving once again why he’s the most dynamic player in college football. He followed that with a monster game in the regular-season finale against Oklahoma State, torching the Cowboys with 10 catches for 116 yards and three touchdowns in a 52-0 rout.
Hunter’s brilliance propelled Colorado to new heights under Coach Prime. The Buffs finished the regular season tied for the top spot in the Big 12, though tiebreakers kept them out of the championship game. With an Alamo Bowl matchup against BYU on deck, Colorado has a chance to secure its first double-digit win season since 2016. If Hunter has anything to say about it, expect fireworks in San Antonio.
Travis Hunter is a unicorn—a player so unique that we may never see another like him. He has given fans a season to remember, and in return, the fans voted him the 2024 Premier Player of College Football.