It’s Heisman Trophy week, and the buzz is off the charts! Four elite athletes are in the spotlight, vying for college football’s most prestigious award. The big reveal happens in NYC on December 14, and this isn’t your average participation-trophy event—only one will walk away with the hardware. Who’s got the edge?

Can CU’s two-way superstar, who dominated both sides of the ball, take home the Heisman? Well, we also have a running back who has a season comparable to Barry Sanders in breaking records. However, quarterbacks traditionally dominate the Heisman race. And we have a lefty QB who led Oregon to an undefeated regular season and Big Ten title as a strong contender. Now, no matter who wins, it’s going to be a celebration, with former finalists joining the party. But honestly, given Colorado’s brand value, it’s a bit surprising how few players they’ve had in the Heisman conversation before Travis Hunter.

A post on Colorado Buffaloes beat reporter Brian Howell’s X account on December 10th stated: “Since finalists first started to be invited to NYC for the Heisman Trophy ceremony in 1982, only 4 Colorado players have been invited.” Prior to Travis Hunter’s rise to fame, the Colorado Buffaloes had only one player in their history to win the Heisman Trophy. And it’s Rashaan Salaam, the 1994 winner of the coveted honor.

Salaam was the only player to win the trophy; other notable Buffaloes players, including Eric Bieniemy and Darian Hagan, were either voted for or designated Heisman finalists in the late 1980s. Eric Bieniemy placed third on the Heisman list in 1990, while Darian Hagan came in fifth in 1989.

Salaam had one of the best individual seasons in CFB history in 1994, rushing for 2,055 yards and scoring 24 TDs, for those who are unaware. He led the country in rushing and won the Heisman, becoming just the fourth athlete in NCAA history to carry for more than 2,000 yards in a single season. This incredible accomplishment cemented his reputation as one of Colorado’s greatest players, which also helped the Buffs finish with an 11-1 record, including a victory in the Fiesta Bowl.

Travis Hunter’s chances of winning the Heisman are still uncertain. Does the athlete truly stand out like Salaam, or is there prejudice due to the CU brand? 

Can Colorado’s two-way phenom, Travis Hunter, make history?

The most sought-after individual honor in CFB is now a little closer to Travis Hunter. On Monday evening, ESPN made the eagerly anticipated announcement that the Colorado star WR/CB is among the finalists for the Heisman Trophy race. Boise State RB Ashton Jeanty, Oregon QB Dillon Gabriel, Miami QB Cam Ward, and Hunter are among the four finalists.

The award winner will be revealed on Saturday night at a presentation in New York. Hunter is still the favorite to win the trophy, but he is by no means guaranteed to win it. The latest odds from BetMGM show that Travis Hunter has a -2500 chance of winning the Heisman. Meanwhile, Jeanty is the closest at +1000. Both Ward and Gabriel are listed at +25000.

This season, Hunter has been a standout player for the Buffs on both sides of the ball. As a wide receiver, he led the Buffs with 92 receptions for 1,152 yards and 19 touchdowns. On defense, he excelled as a cornerback, recording 4 interceptions, 11 passes defended, and one forced fumble by the end of the regular season. After the Buffs’ 52-0 blowout of Oklahoma State, Coach Prime declared his star junior “clinched” the Heisman. Well, Hunter’s incredible performance, with 3 touchdown receptions and an interception, made him do the talk. Now, let’s wait and watch what happens to this famous athlete.