$5.2 million NIL-valued Travis Hunter unlocks massive achievement while making serious case for Heisman

The 2024 college football season witnessed Colorado star Travis Hunter, the $5.2 million NIL-valued athlete (as per On3), writing his name among the sport’s elite, earning the Associated Press College Football Player of the Year award, as was announced on Thursday.

Hunter claimed 26 out of 43 votes from AP Top 25 panelists, edging out Boise State running back Ashton Jeanty, who received 16 votes. Arizona State’s Cameron Skattebo rounded out the top three with one vote.

The star athlete credited his success to his teammates, expressing gratitude in an email to AP reporter Pat Graham,

“Couldn’t do what I do without my team. So I view being up for these awards as team awards.”

Hunter’s exceptional versatility and knack for making big plays on both sides of the ball have made him a unique talent. His historic season includes multiple award nominations, further underscoring his significance to Colorado’s success.

Travis Hunter’s ability to excel on both offense and defense set him apart, making him the favorite for the Heisman Trophy. Jeanty also impressed with a record-breaking season, leading Boise State to a Mountain West title and a College Football Playoff berth.

During an interaction with reporters after weekly practice, Giants' WR Malik Nabers spoke highly of the Colorado star.

"He's the best player in college football. If you can play both sides at a high level like him, there's no doubt," Nabers said. "And I think he got double-digit touchdowns as a receiver too. That’s especially tough when you’re going into a game knowing the defense is keying in on younand yet you’re still as explosive as he is."

Skattebo emerged as a surprise contender in the AP voting. The Arizona State standout totaled 2,074 yards from scrimmage and scored 22 touchdowns, driving the Sun Devils to a Big 12 championship.

This marks the 27th year of the AP’s Player of the Year honor and the first time a Colorado player has won it. Hunter joins Rashaan Salaam, the 1994 Heisman and Walter Camp Trophy winner, as the only Buffaloes to claim a national player of the year award.

Travis Hunter 2024 season for Colorado

Hunter’s 2024 campaign for Colorado was nothing short of remarkable. Offensively, he ranked second nationally in receiving touchdowns (14), fifth in receptions (92) and sixth in receiving yards (1,152). Defensively, he tied for eighth in pass breakups (11) and 17th in interceptions (4).

Hunter’s two-way brilliance played a crucial role in Colorado’s 9-3 season, earning the No. 20 Buffaloes a spot in the Dec. 28 Alamo Bowl against No. 17 BYU. Across 12 games, he played an astounding 688 snaps on defense and 672 on offense. His stats include 92 receptions for 1,152 yards and 14 receiving touchdowns, alongside 32 tackles, four interceptions and 11 passes defended.

Hunter is also a finalist for the Heisman Trophy, Walter Camp, Maxwell, Biletnikoff and Bednarik awards.