Shedeur Sanders pleads case for Travis Hunter as Heisman fight with Ashton Jeanty & Dillon Gabriel intensifies

Two-way star Travis Hunter continues to impress in his pursuit to win the Heisman Trophy. The No. 17 Colorado Buffaloes defeated the Utah Utes in Week 12 on Nov. 16, and quarterback Shedeur Sanders pleaded his case for the cornerback/wide receiver to earn the Heisman nod after the game.

Colorado (8-2, 6-1 Big 12) achieved its fourth consecutive win with a dominant 49-24 victory over Utah (4-6, 1-6). Hunter played a key role in the performance with five receptions for 55 yards, one carry for five yards, and one rushing touchdown. On defense, he had three tackles and one interception.

After the win, Sanders spoke with Fox Sports sideline reporter Jenny Taft and shared why Hunter should win the Heisman Trophy.

"He's the best player in the country. Hands down, no doubt. It's not a lot of guys that can do what he do on offense and defense, so it's really tough to compare him to anybody else, cause I feel like if he was at a different program, they don't like us so much, they hate on us too. So, it's real hard and it makes me sad they don't give a guy like him his credit because that's generational. It ain't going to happen again for a long time."

Travis Hunter current betting favorite to win the Heisman Trophy

Hunter has become a betting favorite to win the award over other candidates like No. 13 Boise State Broncos running back Ashton Jeanty and No. 1 Oregon Ducks quarterback Dillion Gabriel. His performance in Week 12 may continue to push the odds in his favor to win the award. So far, Hunter has 74 receptions for 911 yards and nine touchdowns, with one rushing touchdown. He's also impressed on defense with 23 tackles, one forced fumble and three interceptions.

Jeanty and Gabriel are also having a great seasons statistically and have played vital roles in their teams having success. However, Hunter's ability to play on offense and defense could be the difference in winning the award. He'll need to continue to perform well as Colorado attempts to win its last two games.

Colorado's remaining games for the 2024 season

The Buffaloes will return to action next Saturday when they play the Kansas Jayhawks (3-6, 2-4) in Week 13. Colorado's final matchup in the regular season will be against Oklahoma State Cowboys (3-7, 0-7) at home in Week 14 on Nov. 29.