"Travis Hunter didn’t chase money": Former Heisman winner reiterates eye-catching story of Colorado star's incredible journey

Travis Hunter charted a path less traveled en route becoming the 2024 Heisman winner following an incredible season where he showed his talents on both sides of the ball.

Hunter's decision to flip his commitment from the Florida State Seminoles to the Jackson State Tigers in Dec. 2021 sent shockwaves, as the five-star recruit opted to be coached under Hall of Fame cornerback Deion Sanders in an FCS program.

The decision, which many met with disdain, proved to be the right one. While most top college football programs wouldn't have allowed Hunter to be both cornerback and wide receiver due to fear of injuries, Coach Prime trusted him. Former Heisman winner Robert Griffin III tweeted about the same:

"Travis Hunter Jr. trusted Deion Sanders and followed him to the HBCU Jackson State. Deion believed he could play both sides of the ball at the collegiate level and that he could get the best out of him. Travis then followed Deion and his QB Shedeur Sanders to Colorado. Those 2 decisions changed his life forever.

"Travis Hunter didn’t chase money. He chased connection. He connected with Coach Prime’s leadership and coaching style. He connected with Shedeur’s leadership and playing style. When most didn’t believe, they did. They were all committed to the journey and it ended with a Heisman Trophy."

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Travis Hunter thanks Colorado Buffaloes and Jackson State for being an important part of his journey

Travis Hunter played one season with the Jackson State Tigers in 2022 alongside Coach Prime and his "brother for life" Shedeur Sanders.

As a freshman, Hunter caught 18 receptions for 188 yards and four touchdowns. On defense, he tallied 19 total tackles, eight pass breakups, two interceptions, one fumble recovery and one defensive touchdown in seven games.

The following season, Hunter followed Deion Sanders and Shedeur to the Colorado Buffaloes. His first season in Boulder didn't go as expected, finishing a disappointing 4-8. However, following a healthy season in 2024, Hunter put the Buffaloes on the college football map in just two years.

In his Heisman acceptance speech, he gave due credit to both programs and his fellow teammates, whom he referred to as "brothers."

"Last but not least, my Colorado Buffaloes," Hunter said. "I appreciate y'all so much. I know y'all somewhere out here in New York. Nobody know y'all here, but now they know, baby. Now they know. Hey, man. I thank all the brothers.

"All my brothers through college, you know, Jackson State included. That was my learning ground. That was my proven ground. I had to start somewhere and I started there. Thank y'all at Jackson State. Colorado, I know y'all somewhere. And we got this after party. It's gonna go crazy."

Hunter's story to Heisman is one that will serve as a good inspiration for players across CFB programs, especially the lesser-known ones.