Travis Hunter further cemented his Heisman Trophy bid with a spectacular performance as Colorado defeated Utah on Saturday.

Against the Utes, Hunter tallied 60 total offensive yards and a sensational rushing touchdown along with an interception in the Buffaloes’ 49-24 win. As a two-way star, Hunter is one of the biggest names in college football and his ability to play on both sides of the ball is captivating; he featured in 132 snaps and made big plays on both sides of the ball versus Utah.

The 21-year-old is the favorite to win the Heisman Trophy as he stars at both receiver and cornerback for the marching Buffaloes. Hunter has turned 74 receptions into 911 yards and nine touchdowns, while he’s also tallied 22 tackles and three interceptions.

Hunter’s performances have led to calls for him to win the Heisman Trophy. After FOX Sports’ Joel Klatt said Hunter should win if Colorado reached the Big 10 Championship game, announcer Gus Johnson went one further.

When Shedeur Sanders – who finished 30-of-41 with three touchdowns – found Hunter inside the 10-yard line with a big gain on fourth down, the receiver leaped into the air and made a tremendous circus catch, spinning after contact and bouncing on the ball but holding onto the ball, maintaining possession. Johnson was thrilled by the stunning play, declaring: “OH WHAT A CATCH! TRAVIS HUNTER! GIVE HIM THE HEISMAN NOW!”

After both scoring a touchdown and snagging the crucial interception, Hunter celebrated by hitting the Heisman pose. He is currently the Heisman Trophy favorite, edging out the likes of Oregon quarterback Dillon Gabriel, Boise State running back Ashton Jeanty, and his quarterback Sanders.

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Travis Hunter found the end zone on a rushing play in the fourth quarter

Travis Hunter found the end zone on a rushing play in the fourth quarter ( 

Image:

Getty Images)

After the game, Colorado head coach Deion Sanders heaped praise on Hunter. He told reporters: “I ain’t gonna sit up here and give no message to Heisman voters who is undecided. If they can’t see, they can’t see. It is what it is. I mean, Travis is who he is. It’s supposed to go to the best college football player. I think that’s been a wrap since, what? Week 2?

“So, we ain’t petitioning for nobody. We ain’t doing that. We got a wonderful display of cameras here, and I think we on national television every week. If they can’t see it, something is a problem. Don’t allow their hatred for me to interfere with our kids’ success. They got to stop that. Y’all got to stop. Some of y’all like that. Y’all got to stop that, man. Get the kids what they deserve, man.”

With his consistently elite performances, Hunter is aiming to become the first wide receiver since DeVonta Smith in 2020 to win the Heisman Trophy award. He also could become the first two-way player to win the coveted award since former Michigan star and Pro Football Hall of Famer Charles Woodson in 1997.

Hunter’s 8-2 Colorado are next in action against Kansas at Arrowhead Stadium in their next contest on Saturday, Nov. 23.