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USA Today via Reuters

USA Today via Reuters

What makes a college football season unforgettable? For the University of Colorado, it’s when a player like Travis Hunter comes along and changes the game. The two-way superstar has not only captured the 2024 Heisman Trophy but also the hearts of fans everywhere. And when NBA icon Kevin Garnett sends you a personal shout-out, you know you’ve done something special.

KG took to his Instagram stories section and shared a heartfelt message for Hunter. “Congratulations to the Buh BIG TRAVIS HUNTER… You did that this year my boy!! Well deserving bro… @heismantrophy Winner…” he wrote. It’s not every day that a 21-year-old college football player gets props from an NBA legend.

And he deserves every bit of this as Hunter’s Heisman acceptance speech was just as electric as his season. He thanked everyone who shaped his journey, starting with Jackson State. “That was my learning grounds. That’s my proven grounds,” he said. And he didn’t forget Colorado. “Sko Buffs, baby!” he shouted, cementing his bond with fans who’ve cheered him on every step of the way.

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This achievement puts Hunter in rare company. He’s only the second CU Buff to win the Heisman, joining the legendary Rashaan Salaam, who claimed it back in 1994. Thirty years later, Hunter has rewritten what it means to dominate in college football.

Hunter’s stats speak for themselves. As a receiver, he recorded 92 catches for 1,152 yards and 14 touchdowns. On defense, he had four interceptions, broke up 11 passes, and even forced a game-winning fumble against Baylor. Think about that — one player excelling on both sides of the ball. He played an incredible 1,360 snaps, something no one else in a Power Four conference even attempted.

In his final game in Boulder, Hunter left no doubt about his greatness, delivering a three-touchdown, one-interception performance in a 52-0 rout of Oklahoma State.

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Can Travis Hunter's two-way dominance redefine what it means to be a college football legend?

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Travis Hunter selects His NBA player comparison

The Buffaloes’ two-way sensation has never been one to shy away from big moments—or bold comparisons. Ahead of the Heisman Trophy announcement, the 21-year-old showed his versatility extends beyond the football field when he was asked which NBA player he compares himself to. His first pick? None other than Kevin Durant. But Hunter wasn’t done.

“NBA comp? I like (Kevin Durant),” he started, before quickly reconsidering. “Oh wait, hold on… Anthony Edwards. That’s who I’m going with–A.E.” Makes sense considering, like Edwards, Hunter is electric on both ends—always ready to shine on offense while locking down the opposition on defense.

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And here’s the fun part—Edwards himself might be eyeing a switch to football someday. At least that’s what he stated during one of his chats with ESPN. “If I win a ring in the next 3-4 years, I’m going to play football,” Edwards joked. Can you imagine the crossover potential there?

As for Hunter, his confidence isn’t limited to football or basketball. When asked if there’s any sport he can’t dominate, his response was pure swagger—“I can play all of them”. Self-belief is truly worth appreciation from a legend like Kevin Garnett.

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Can Travis Hunter's two-way dominance redefine what it means to be a college football legend?

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