Travis Hunter has taken the college football world by storm. He was one of the players that came to Colorado when Deion Sanders took the head coaching position. We’ve seen two-way players before, but Hunter takes it to a different level. When healthy, he has played almost every snap. He hasn’t simply been a placeholder. On offense, he has made jaw-dropping catches for touchdowns. On defense, he has shut down opposing wide receivers and made game-changing interceptions. Hunter has been in the Heisman Trophy race since the preseason, but ESPN analyst Desmond Howard believes he is the frontrunner for the award.
Travis Hunter Leading The Heisman Race
Travis Hunter has been stuffing the stat sheet this season for the Colorado Buffaloes. In ten games this season, he has caught 74 passes for 911 yards and nine touchdowns. He also has one rushing touchdown. On the defensive side of the ball, he has 24 tackles, eight passes defended, and three interceptions. Each side of the ball would be an impressive season, but the fact that he is doing it all makes it even more special. On College Gameday this morning, Desmond Howard said he believes it is the Heisman is his to lose.
“Travis Hunter is in the pole position when it comes to Heisman candidates. I mean, you know, he’s a very unique talent. He’s a unicorn. He’s doing a lot of things that we haven’t seen before. On top of that, he came on GameDay very humble, just enjoyed his energy.”
“So, right now, a lot of football is left to be played, but right now, I think that this guy right here is in the pole position.”
The season isn’t over, but Howard believes something crazy would have to happen for someone to take the award away from Travis Hunter. In any other year, there might not be much debate. However, this year, there is one other candidate who many believe to be more deserving.
Boise State Running Back Ashton Jeanty
Travis Hunter isn’t the only player having a special season. Boise State running back Ashton Jeanty is having a record-breaking season as well. He has rushed 256 times for a whopping 1,893 yards (that’s 7.4 yards per carry!) and 26 touchdowns. To put this in context, here are some Heisman Trophy-winning seasons from running backs in the past.
- Derrick Henry (2015): 395 rushes, 2,219 yards, and 28 touchdowns
- Mark Ingram (2009): 271 rushes, 1,658 yards, and 17 touchdowns
- Reggie Bush (2005): 200 rushes, 1740 yards, and 16 touchdowns
- Ron Dayne (1999): 303 rushes, 1,834 yards, and 19 touchdowns
- Barry Sanders (1988): 344 yards, 2,628 yards, and 37 touchdowns
Jeanty’s season is on par with or better than many of these players. One could argue this is the best season from a running back since Barry Sanders in 1988. In the final two games, Jeanty should eclipse 2,000 yards and possibly break the 30-touchdown mark. Similar to Travis Hunter, he is having a season we have not seen in a long time.
Get Ready For Lots Of Debate
I’m sure you can hear it now from the Stephen A. Smiths of the world. Morning sports shows will debate this for weeks, with people passionately campaigning for both players. There are great arguments for both sides. Travis Hunter is showing exceptional stamina while also putting up huge stats. We’ve seen players play both sides of the ball before, but one side of the ball is usually the clear weakness. Hunter is elite on both sides of the ball.
Ashton Jeanty is putting together one of the best seasons by a running back in college football history. Teams are stacking the box and know what is coming. It doesn’t matter. Jeanty still racks up the yards and is usually good for one long touchdown run per game. This may shape up being one of the closest Heisman races we have ever had.
Final Thoughts
The real winner in all of this? Fans of college football. We get to watch both of these players on our televisions every Saturday. It stinks that only one person can win the award. Everyone will have their opinion on who is most deserving. However, both players are having special seasons. The player who did not win the Heisman Trophy still had a special season, and it should be celebrated. This will be an interesting race down the road especially if both players make the College Football Playoff. As a fan, it’s time to sit back, relax, and enjoy watching these players before they head to the NFL.
