There is a thin line between confidence and overconfidence. But for Travis Hunter, this line doesn’t seem to exist as he is heading into the 2025 NFL Draft. The 21-year-old star Colorado player didn’t even hesitate to stir the pot of drama at the NFL Combine. He boldly and without second thoughts claimed that his role as a two-way player is much more challenging than that of Shohei Ohtani in baseball.

“Probably me, what I do in football [is harder] because it is a lot on your body. Ohtani, he’s a great player, but you have to do a lot in football,” said Hunter. And let’s just say he might have turned his back on the entire baseball community—starting with Jon Heyman.

The Athletic, highlighting this, poised the question over at X, “Do you agree with Travis Hunter that being a two-way player in football is more difficult than Shohei Ohtani’s two-way prowess in baseball?”

And to this, Jon Heyman didn’t hesitate and replied, “No. No one in their right mind agrees with that.” And sure, he has a point, because Ohtani’s role in baseball is out of this world. He is a three-time AL MVP. He has opened the doors to new records and etched his name in history. Ohtani is the reason that not just the Dodgers, but MLB has seen a huge growth. But that being said, Travis Hunter himself isn’t just throwing words.

Sure, Hunter does have a good resume. The two-way sensation has dominated college football playing as both a cornerback and wide receiver. And he even got the Chuck Bednarik award for the top defensive player in the nation along with the Biletnikoff Award for best receiver. Despite the rarity of his successes, his hot take on Ohtani is not something that’s been taken well in the MLB side of the world.

Fans sound off on Travis Hunter’s take on Shohei Ohtani

A fan commented, “Physically, I can barely agree that what Travis does is harder, in the sense of defending and getting guys (don’t quote me on my phrasing), but what Shohei does is 100% harder, especially the fact that he hits 50 nukes, steals 50 times, and throws 102 with accuracy.” And it’s not simple to argue. Football is brutal on the physical body. Playing those two roles, he needs endurance and the ability to give and take big hits. Not to mention the risk of injuries looms large. But one glance at Shohei Ohtani’s slash line and everything else just shuns—.282/.371/.575 slash line—and that’s enough to silence most!

A rather unimpressed user said, It very well might be more difficult. But he is nowhere close to the player Ohtani is on either side of the ball.” Hinter is talented, but Shohei Ohtani has already proven his mantle at the highest level of his sport. He has crushed around 225 home runs in 860 career games and even excelled as a pitcher. In the meantime, Hunter, despite being a generational player, has played in not one NFL game. College is different, and playing with the crème de la crème is different.

Another added, “At least anyone that has played both sports. Plus, do it at the NFL level first, then start the conversation.” And it’s the same point as above. Hunter has dominated in college and won awards for both best receiver and best defensive player. But the NFL is a different beast to tame altogether. Eventually, he might have to go and decide to do it one way only, since it’s an extremely taxing play. Even Deion Sanders, one of the best two-way players, chose the defense side more. GM of the Browns, Andrew Berry, also mentioned they see Hunter as a receiver mostly, and Titans coach Callahan concurred too!

One fan pointed out, “The margin for error in baseball is much tighter than football lol.” They have a fair thing pointed out, as a hitter can fail 70% of the time and still be talked about as elite. But pitchers need to have legitimate accuracy to avoid getting crushed by batters. Ohtani can hit 50 home runs and also throw 100 mph+ fastballs – a skill level that’s almost unheard of. It’s two different sets of biomechanics at work – like comparing apples and oranges!

Echoing the same one user said, “Hunter couldn’t hit or throw a 100 mph pitch. Ohtani can do both, no contest.” And this is where the huge difference between the two lies. Football needs physical strength, but Shohei Ohtani’s two-way dominance needs skill sets that are completely different from each other. A 100 mph throw needs arm strength; it needs perfect pitching skills. Hitting, meanwhile, has its own techniques. Hunter’s versatility is great, but matching up right now with the LA Dodgers superstar seems far-fetched.

Whichever side of the debate you are on, both players are stellar. Don’t you think? Or did Hunter stir the hornet’s nest with this one? Let us know your opinion below!