$2.7 million NIL-valued Travis Hunter leads Heisman Trophy contenders list among college football bettors for 2024 season

Colorado's Travis Hunter has become a prime focus for Heisman Trophy bettors in the 2024 season. Despite his long-shot odds of 60-1, Hunter has captured 15.8% of all bets placed on the Heisman at BetMGM, making him a liability for sportsbooks. Valued at $2.7 million in NIL deals, Hunter’s versatility and standout performances have made him a top contender.

Hunter’s impressive ability to play on both offense and defense is a key factor driving his popularity. Last season, he logged more than 1,000 snaps, almost evenly divided between 436 on offense and 566 on defense. Even after missing a few games due to injury, Hunter played more snaps from scrimmage than any other player in the FBS during the regular season.

Travis Hunter demonstrated his skills in the first 8.5 games with 57 receptions for 721 yards and five touchdowns as a receiver. Likewise, he achieved 30 tackles, two of which were for a loss. Furthermore, he intercepted three passes.

His run for Heisman gained ground after his incredible presentation in the game against TCU, where he played 144 snaps, caught 11 passes for 119 yards and intercepted in a trial.

Travis Hunter's teammate, Shedeur Sanders, is also garnering attention from bettors, holding 13.1% of the bets at 35-1 odds, making him the second-highest risk for sportsbooks. In the entire history of Heisman, no defensive player has ever won it, with Charles Woodson being the last to win in 1997.

Colorado Buffaloes anticipate a stellar 2024 season with Travis Hunter leading the charge

The Colorado Buffaloes, buoyed by stars Shedeur Sanders and Travis Hunter, are generating significant hype for the 2024 season. While these elite players provide a strong foundation, the Buffaloes will need a collective effort to reach their full potential.

ESPN NFL draft expert Matt Miller has made a bold prediction regarding Travis Hunter's future, highlighting a crucial decision the versatile athlete will face about his professional position. Miller noted:

“But I do think at some point, he’ll be really forced by NFL teams to make a decision. ... I think Step 1, he’s got to prove he can stay healthy... And then, I think that ability to just hone in on one position.

"To say, I’m gonna work on understanding the intricacies of the wide receiver position or the technique of the corner position. He’s gonna have to make that decision. But he is a playmaker where you want the ball in his hands.”

Throughout the 2023 season, Hunter showed good stats on both offense and defense. On defense, he had 31 tackles, three interceptions and five pass breakups. As a wide receiver, he received 57 balls for 721 yards and five TDs.