Can Travis Hunter actually win the Heisman Trophy? Laying out blueprint for Colorado’s two-way star

After yet another historic performance from Colorado star Travis Hunter in the Buffs’ 48-21 win at UCF, it’s becoming clear that college football’s two-way star is on a trajectory to be one of the biggest stories of the 2024 season. With that will come even more attention for Colorado, and also serious contention for individual accolades like the Heisman Trophy. 

And if Hunter continues to record two-way production in Colorado’s biggest wins, he has a realistic path to being a historic Heisman Trophy winner. He made a nice case for it Saturday afternoon in Orlando, with an interception and a touchdown. According to some books, Hunter has the third-best odds to win the Heisman at +750 as of Saturday night, behind Alabama’s Jalen Milroe — who vaulted up to +175 thanks to a splendid first half vs. Georgia — and Miami’s Cam Ward (+500). 

Of the 10 players with the best odds, Hunter is the only non-QB sprinkled among the favorites. 

Winning the Heisman Trophy as a non-quarterback is tough enough as it is, with quarterbacks claiming the award 20 times since 2000. Those rare examples without a quarterback winning were all the star skill player of a blue blood national championship contender. But go a little bit farther back and you find a precedent that can be used to evaluate Hunter’s chances to contend, because in 1997 it was Michigan cornerback Charles Woodson who became the first (and to this point) only defensive player to win the Heisman Trophy. 

As mentioned, Oddsmakers have already reacted the latest performance that builds Hunter’s Heisman Trophy case, moving up to among the top names on the board. But at this point in the season that’s a short-term reaction to the market and not necessarily a prediction for the future….

Source link : https://www.cbssports.com/college-football/news/can-travis-hunter-actually-win-the-heisman-trophy-laying-out-blueprint-for-colorados-two-way-star/

Author : Chip Patterson

Publish date : 2024-09-29 01:11:43

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