Ever since joining the Buffaloes last year, Travis Hunter has been a superstar in the making. This year, the hype surrounding him reached a fever pitch when he replaced the team’s quarterback on the cover of EA Sports College Football 25. Their special edition (deluxe) cover featured only three top stars, and Hunter made the cut alongside Quinn Ewers and Donovan Edwards. This was a huge deal for the Buffs, considering the team finished last season with a mediocre 4-8 record.

But the praise doesn’t stop here. Hunter’s also considered a favorite to win the Heisman Trophy and a top pick in the 2025 NFL Draft. At just 21, this is a massive achievement, and now, the Buffs star is sharing a lesser-known passion that’s helped him get here.

Travis Hunter loves to study the game

Unapologeticallybuffs sparked fans’ curiosity on June 1 with a video titled “Ever wonder what Travis Hunter does during his downtime?” offering a glimpse into the star athlete’s off-field life. The footage on X shows the Buffaloes’ two-way star intensely focused on a video game, hinting at his favorite way to relax outside of football.

But Hunter also showed a surprising way he spends his free time: studying game films!  He said, “Watch film, go back to school and watch film every day,” which shows how much he loves learning everything there is to know about football. He added, “I gotta watch receivers, watch DBs, watch quarterbacks,” as he explained his interest. This might seem like an unusual way to unwind, but it’s super important for Hunter to keep getting better. He has many hobbies like this that help him develop as a player. 

How do hobbies make Hunter a better football player?

Travis Hunter’s life off the field is full of surprises. While video games and film study might occupy some of his downtime, his true passion lies in fishing.  Last year, he opened up about this unexpected outlet during difficult periods, stating, ‘All I like to do is go out there and fish.’ It’s a form of relaxation for him, a way to escape the pressures of the game. He’s been doing it since he was little, alongside his love for football. This unexpected side of Hunter, a passionate angler, went viral on the internet, showing a different side to the Buffs star.

Hunter regularly grabs his fishing rod, even catching a massive one during the recent Buffaloes team bonding retreat. These various activities, both physical and mental, seem to contribute to his well-rounded development as an athlete. The recent Navy SEAL training in Boulder showcased his impressive swimming skills as proof of his physical toughness. Finally, it looks like the Buffaloes have found a player who is physically capable on the field and mentally sharp enough to devise gameplay.