Shedeur Sanders delivers verdict on whether Ashton Jeanty deserved to win the Heisman after Travis Hunter's triumph

No. 23-ranked Colorado Buffaloes quarterback Shedeur Sanders' teammate, two-way star Travis Hunter, won the Heisman Trophy on Saturday. He beat out the three other finalists, Boise State running back Ashton Jeanty, Oregon QB Dillon Gabriel and Miami QB Cam Ward.

On Tuesday, Sanders released his weekly podcast, "2Legendary with Shedeur Sanders," and spoke about whether he thought Hunter deserved the award. Additionally, he spoke about Ashton Jeanty and whether he would have been a deserving winner (comments start at 6:29).

"We all happy for him, the receiver core, we all happy for him that he was able to put on for the team, put on for the city and put on for himself. People keep saying Ashton Jeanty deserves it. I said "What's up?" to bro, he cool. I feel like it's just a tough situation, honestly and that's the thing, they shouldn't take a thing from what he's done and everything he's accomplished this year. I don't take anything from it."

Based on those comments, it seems Sanders still believes his teammate, Travis Hunter, was deserving of the Heisman Trophy. However, he understands that it was a difficult situation for Jeanty. Hunter and Jeanty had two historic seasons, but only one could win the Heisman Trophy. Either could have won in a different year, but with both having historic seasons, one of them was going to end the night disappointed.

Travis Hunter and Ashton Jeanty had two historic seasons

Although Travis Hunter was ultimately the 2024 Heisman Trophy winner, both he and Ashton Jeanty had historic seasons. Hunter had won one of the best two-way seasons of all time. Although it is hard to directly compare two-way players like you can compare two running backs, most pundits agree Hunter had one of the best two-way seasons in college football history.

Hunter was one of the best wide receivers and cornerbacks in college football. Additionally, he played a big part in turning around the Colorado Buffaloes after nearly half a decade of losing seasons.

Ashton Jeanty had one of the best college football seasons for a running back ever. He had the fourth-best single-season rushing season of all time. He had 2497 rushing yards for Boise State which was less than 150 yards behind the record. Barry Sanders set the record with 2628 yards in 1988. Additionally, he was the driving force in helping Boise State win the Mountain West Championship and qualify for the College Football Playoff.