Former Raiders HC Jon Gruden draws attention to Heisman favorite Travis Hunter's 'clutch' gene

Jon Gruden's latest social media activity was around Travis Hunter's exceptional game-changing ability. He drew a parallel to Pro Football Hall of Famer Charles Woodson.

Woodson and Colorado's dynamic two-way star represents different generations of football brilliance. The comparison emerged on Sunday following Hunter's remarkable performance against Oklahoma State. Gruden shared the game highlight of Travis scoring for the third time.

"We drafted Charles Woodson number four overall. He could do everything on a football field. When I watch Travis Hunter, I see the same kind of clutch game changer," Gruden wrote on X.

Travis Hunter's Heisman trajectory tells a compelling story. He is vying to become Colorado's second Heisman winner after Rashaan Salaam in 1994. He could be the first full-time defensive player to win the award since Charles Woodson in 1997.

Deion Sanders has no doubts on Travis Hunter winning the Heisman

NCAA Football: Oklahoma State at Colorado - Source: Imagn

In the game against Oklahoma State, Travis Hunter recorded three touchdown receptions, two pass breakups, and a critical first-quarter interception in Colorado's dominant 52-0 victory.

Hunter has 92 catches this season, with seven 100-yard receiving performances. He broke Colorado's single-season touchdown reception record, standing at 14 touchdowns. According to ESPN Research, he's the first player in 25 seasons with multiple games featuring scrimmage touchdowns and an interception.

Colorado coach Deion Sanders left no room for doubt about Hunter's impact.

"Travis proved that week after week, throughout injuries and everything," Sanders said on Friday. "He's the life of our team."

The betting markets reflect Hunter's dominance. His Heisman odds soared from -800 to as high as -25000 during the Oklahoma State game. Currently, he sits at -15000 — an almost unprecedented level of certainty for the prestigious award.

Sanders emphasized Hunter's versatility, challenging traditional Heisman voting.

"Travis clinched the Heisman with his performance," he added. "You've got to give me another definition of the award. Who else has done that? Ever?"

Hunter's standout moment came early in the fourth quarter. He leaped for a 23-yard touchdown pass while being tightly covered, symbolizing the clutch gene Gruden identified. Oklahoma State coach Mike Gundy called Hunter "a special player" who challenged their defensive strategies all game.

The Buffaloes' 9-3 season under Deion Sanders has been transformative. Hunter played a key role in their remarkable turnaround, performing brilliantly on both offense and defense. His potential Heisman win would cap a historic season that redefined expectations for two-way players.