One enormous step back, three big steps forward? Coach Prime and the CU Buffs appear to be in this situation following their 31-28 loss to Kansas State on Saturday night in a wild Big 12 contest. The Buffs were vying for the Big 12 championship before the setback snapped their three-game winning streak. However, it went beyond that as they lost their two-way sensation, Travis Hunter.

For the second time, Travis Hunter left the game with what seemed to be an injury. After a 14-yard reception, the Colorado two-way standout seemed to have a shoulder injury and departed the Buffaloes’ game against Kansas State late in the second quarter on Saturday night. At that point, Kansas State led the Wildcats 14–7 after a game-winning 60-yard touchdown drive. When ESPN and On3Sports published a video of Travis Hunter heading to the locker room on October 13, 2024, it became official that Travis had sustained an injury.

Fans are still curious, though, as to whether Hunter will return to the field or whether his injury has rendered him unable to play for the upcoming game. However, according to a tweet from Brian Howell, the beat reporter for the Buffaloes in the Buffzone, “Colorado head coach Deion Sanders said he doesn’t have updates on injuries for Travis Hunter, Jimmy Horn, and Omarion Miller.” Therefore, Travis’s future and his once-promising Heisman Trophy campaign are now questionable. Although his preparation for today’s game against Kansas hasn’t gone unnoticed.

Travis Hunter’s undoubted talent

On October 13, Cubuffsfootball shared a slideshow of the star WR and CB to Instagram with the message, “Ready for the night.” An image of Travis Hunter hugging his young followers while the spectators watched from their seats appeared on the first slide. In the second slide, a supporter held up a sign that read, “Travis 4 Heisman #12.” This gesture echoed Hunter’s aspirations for the Heisman.

He has also won over players, supporters, and analysts since their season-opening victory over NDSU. Before the team’s defeat to Nebraska in Week 2, Hunter had at least 100 receiving yards in each of the previous four games. Hunter may not have broken his previous records with 89 yards in his Week 5 finale versus UCF, but he did manage to intercept the Knights’ quarterback, KJ Jefferson, and execute the Heisman pass in the end zone. In addition, in five games, he has already caught 46 receptions for 561 yards and six touchdowns. His injury has now stolen the opportunity to face Kansas State. Will he participate in Colorado’s upcoming challenge?