How Travis Hunter’s EA Sports Feat Could Influence Heisman Outcome Against Shedeur Sanders and Carson Beck?

Back in May, when asked about Heisman contenders, Travis Hunter confidently declared, “Me, Shedeur, Quinn, and Donovan.” While a month has passed, the weight of his words hasn’t lessened.

Hunter, the Buffs’ two-way star on the cover of EA Sports College Football 25, stood out alongside other top recruits — Wolverines RB Donovan Edwards and Texas QB Quinn Ewers. Initially, many expected Shedeur Sanders, the Buffs’ quarterback, to be there, but the tables have turned. Some predict Hunter might even edge out Sanders for the Heisman in an overturn similar to his cover placement.

Recently, even Fox Sports expert RJ Young resonated with this feeling. He ranked Hunter second in his top EA Sports players list, calling him a potential Heisman threat “Especially if Colorado plays well this season.” Hunter’s versatility, playing over 100 snaps in most games as both wide receiver and cornerback, certainly justifies the hype.

Young further raised an interesting question — “I’m interested to find out if Heisman voters still respect a legitimate two-player threat the way they did with Charles Woodson in the 20th century.” In fact, Woodson was the last cornerback to win the Heisman, while DeVonta Smith, a former Alabama wide receiver, was the last winner in that position.

Thus a Heisman win for the ultimate two-way threat Hunter would be historic. It could also break the current streak of quarterbacks dominating the award. Can he pose a threat to Shedeur Sanders and Carson Beck?

Travis Hunter vs. the QBs: can he turn over the Heisman race like the EA Sports cover?

Quarterbacks have ruled the Heisman Trophy roost lately, with the last three winners all from the same category. Thus going by the trend, this year’s favorites include Georgia Bulldogs’ QB Carson Beck and Buffaloes‘ Shedeur Sanders, with Texas’ Quinn Ewers also vying for the top spot. But a surprise contender has emerged–wide receiver/cornerback Travis Hunter.

His recent appearance on the cover of EA Sports College Football 25 has fueled the buzz. While not a direct Heisman factor, the exposure amplifies Hunter’s brand, just as the fan frenzy surrounding the poster release suggests. But the Heisman isn’t a popularity contest, though. It’s decided by a combination of fan votes, media votes from sports journalists, and votes from past winners. Hunter’s recent feat and the public’s excitement could likely sway fans and media. 

For now, the former Heisman winners’ votes remain a mystery – quarterbacks might favor fellow QBs like Sanders or Beck. But still, the majority could lean towards Hunter – after all, the award goes to the “most outstanding player,” not based on a team’s win record or the position they play. Can the two-way player break the QB streak?