What does it take to stand out in the Heisman race? Big stats? 11 touchdowns & 4 interceptions? Jaw-dropping plays? Well, maybe we need a little extra! Travis Hunter isn’t just putting up numbers on both sides of the fields; the man’s winning hearts too. In a season where the Colorado Buffaloes are officially out of the playoffs, Hunter’s train is still on the track. But will this latest good deed be enough to land him college football’s top honor?

During Friday’s HE12MAN Pop-Up Event, after beating the brakes out of Oklahoma State Cowboys 52-0, Travis Hunter proved he’s as much a people’s guy as a football phenom. He was spotted signing autographs for fans who had camped out for over four hours just for a chance to meet him. And here’s the kicker: he gave one lucky fan his sold-out “I’m Him” beanie—literally off his head. That’s not just fan service; that’s legendary. This type of stuff makes you the real Heisman. And this heartfelt gesture even impressed a die-hard Colorado fan who in turn gifted Hunter a signed OG Rashaan Salaam jersey—a piece of history honoring the Buffaloes’ first-ever Heisman winner. Talk about full-circle moments, right?

Well, Rashaan Salaam set the gold standard for Colorado football back in 1994 when he snagged the Heisman. The dude was unstoppable. He was Ashton Jeanty before Ashton Jeanty. In his peak season, Salaam ran for a jaw-dropping 2,055 yards, found the end zone 24 times, and shattered 18 school records. He even joined an elite RB club, becoming just the fourth player in college football history to rush for over 2k yards in a single season.

The 1994 Heisman winner wasn’t just a stat sheet stuffer; he was the heartbeat of a Buffaloes squad that dominated the gridiron. The guy had four games with over 200 rushing yards and nine straight 100-yard performances. His bully-run style literally earned him a spot in the NFL, where he became the NFC Rookie of the Year with the Chicago Bears.

Fast forward to this day, Salaam’s aura is still felt at Boulder. The man was so good; that the Buffs had to retire his jersey (No. 19) out of respect in 2017. In 2022, Salaam was inducted into the College Football HOF. Though he tragically passed away at the fruitful age of 42, his legacy remains a shining beacon for every player rocking the black and gold. Is Hunter chasing a similar glory?

Travis Hunter’s push for history

Not gonna lie. Travis Hunter is chasing history, hoping to become Colorado’s second-ever Heisman winner, following in Salaam’s footsteps. His 3 touchdowns, 116 yards, and 1 int against the Oklahoma Cowboys probably solidified him as a front-runner, keeping him a step ahead of Boise State’s Ashton Jeanty in the Heisman race.

But Hunter’s campaign isn’t just about jaw-dropping plays. It’s about moments like Friday, where he showed fans he’s more than just a generational talent—he’s a class act—a true role model. The man doesn’t even party. Loyalty to the program, connection to the fans, and a drive to uphold Colorado’s legacy? That’s what makes a Heisman winner.

With Colorado’s season-ending at 9-3, Hunter’s shot at playoff glory is off the table. But his Heisman dreams? Still alive and kicking hard. If anything, his heartfelt gesture just added another chapter to a season full of unforgettable moments.

So, will the Heisman voters reward Hunter’s on-field dominance and off-field charisma? One thing’s for sure: Travis Hunter isn’t just playing the game—he’s playing for keeps.