Travis Hunter had one of the best two-way seasons in college football history this year. And on Saturday night, he won the 2024 Heisman Trophy, like many people across the country thought he would. That doesn’t make the accomplish any less significant, as it’s the most coveted individual honor in all of college football. When Hunter was officially announced as the winner, former LSU basketball star Angel Reese shared her reaction to the news.
“Why I am I crying? I’m so happy for Travis man!!” Reese shared on her Twitter profile.
why am i crying😭 im so happy for Travis man!!
— Angel Reese (@Reese10Angel) December 15, 2024
Colorado defensive back and wide receiver Travis Hunter has won the 2024 Heisman Trophy, given annually to the most outstanding player in college football.
Boise State running back Ashton Jeanty finished second, as Miami quarterback Cam Ward and Oregon quarterback Dillon Gabriel finished third and fourth, respectively. It’s the first non-quarterback to win the award since Alabama wideout DeVonta Smith won in 2020.
Hunter and Jeanty emerged as the clear favorites and contenders for the award during the final stretch of the season. Hunter dazzled with his two-way play as Colorado rolled to 9-3 and Jeanty entered the rare-air of Barry Sanders comparisons and led Boise State to the College Football Playoff. Each won awards as the top players at a respective position they play for the 2024 season.
But in the end, it was Hunter who won out with a season unlike any in modern college football. He joins Michigan legend Charles Woodson as the only other full-time defender to win the award. But Hunter, unlike Woodson, played full-time on offense, too. There have been numerous two-way stars — like Woodson, Champ Bailey and Chris Gamble — but none achieved both ways quite like Hunter did in 2024 as a defensive back and wide receiver.
He caught 92 passes for 1,152 yards and 14 touchdowns as one of the top receivers in all of college football. Then, defensively, he had 32 tackles, 11 deflections, four interceptions, and a forced fumble at corner.
