Why is Travis Hunter on the doorstep of winning CU's second Heisman Trophy, and first since running back Rashaan Salaam claimed the honor in 1994? Here are four defining moments of his season that sum up Hunter's generational two-way talent.
Playing under the prime time lights in CU's season opener, Hunter had touchdown catches of 41 and 13 yards over the first three quarters of a nip-and-tuck affair vs. North Dakota State. But it was Hunter's 3-yard TD grab midway through the fourth quarter that iced the win. Hunter ran a short route to the front corner of the end zone and made an incredible catch behind the cornerback's helmet as Hunter fell to the ground. The grab set the tone for a season full of you-gotta-see-this moments, and ensured CU would avert a potential letdown against an FCS opponent to start the season.
After CSU nearly toppled CU in last year's Rocky Mountain Showdown, there were high hopes in Fort Collins that the Rams could pull off an upset in 2024. But in a 28-9 win, Hunter pretty much beat CSU single-handedly. He had 13 catches for 100 yards with 2 TDs, five tackles and a pick -- the first such stat line in modern college football history. His signature moment came via his leaping interception as CSU was attempting to start a comeback late in the third quarter. Hunter returned the pick 38 yards, then sprinted downfield for a campfire celebration with teammates. He was flagged for unsportsmanlike conduct, but the swag was undeniable.
The turning point in CU's season came in the fourth game, and Big 12 opener, against Baylor in Boulder. CU was on the cusp of defeat, and looking like it might take a similar road to last year's 4-8 team before Shedeur Sanders' Hail Mary pass sent the game to OT. That's when Hunter, who had seven catches for 130 yards on the night, stepped up as a hero. Baylor was about to send the game to a second OT when Hunter came up with a perfectly placed hit on Bears tailback Dominic Richardson at the goal line, forcing a fumble that rolled out of bounds to cement CU's win. In the clutch, it underscored another defensive skill for No. 12: physicality.
The moment when Hunter cemented his status as the Heisman frontrunner didn't come against Oklahoma State in the season finale when he racked up 116 yards receiving and three TDs, plus a pick. It came two weeks earlier in the waning minutes against Utah. With CU at the Utes' 5-yard line, Hunter took a reverse on a play that called for a wideout pass. But the blocking was busted, and the coverage was good downfield. So Hunter improvised, ran backward 15 yards, and then cut up the field. He out-ran half the Utah defense and made another Ute miss at the goal line in a play that demonstrated his field vision, speed and NFL-caliber athleticism.