WATCH: Heisman winner Travis Hunter turns up to Polynesian Bowl practice

Travis Hunter, the University of Colorado star and 2024 Heisman Trophy winner, is set to make waves at the 2025 Polynesian Bowl by serving as an honorary captain. Hunter previously earned MVP honors at the 2022 Polynesian Bowl during his senior year at Collins Hill High School in Suwanee, Georgia. Hunter is in Hawaii and turned up for the practice on Tuesday.

The 2025 Polynesian Bowl, a star-studded high school football all-star game featuring 100 of the nation's top prospects, will take place at Kūnuiākea Stadium, Kamehameha Schools Kapālama, in Honolulu, HI, on Friday at 9:00 PM ET (4:00 PM HT).

Another key figure at the Polynesian Bowl is Tetairoa McMillan, a native of Waimānalo, Oʻahu, who was named the 2024 Polynesian College Football Player of the Year. This award celebrates exceptional skill and integrity among Polynesian athletes.

McMillan’s stellar 2024 season included 84 receptions, 1,319 yards and eight touchdowns, securing him first-team All-Big 12 and consensus All-American recognition.

Both Hunter and McMillan will be celebrated at the Polynesian Football Hall of Fame Celebration Dinner on January 19, alongside the Class of 2025 inductees and other award recipients.

Travis Hunter named 2024 Breakout Star of the Year by

Sports Illustrated

Last week, Sports Illustrated honored Travis Hunter as their 2024 Breakout Star of the Year, recognizing his exceptional college football season. The award is one of many in Hunter’s remarkable year, which he discussed in a YouTube vlog released Tuesday.

“First, I want to thank God… don’t know where I’d be this year without just praying every night… I want to thank my family, everybody around the Colorado program… I think I took home seven awards [this year]. That’s kind of a lot. I didn’t envision that… I wrote my goals down… and I believed in it. But I didn’t think it’d happen to this certain extent.”

Travis Hunter's crowning achievement was winning the Heisman Trophy in a tight race against Boise State running back Ashton Jeanty. He also collected the Walter Camp Award, Fred Biletnikoff Award, Chuck Bednarik Award, Lott IMPACT Trophy, and Paul Hornung Award. Reflecting on his success, Hunter stated,

“I didn’t write seven awards down. I wanted to win the Heisman [Trophy]. I got to do that, but I won seven awards… [they] mean a lot to me, and I hope they mean a lot to my family and everybody that’s been watching me this far. This year has been very special, [but I’ve] got more to prove for next year."

Travis Hunter currently holds FanDuel’s third-best odds to be the top pick in the 2025 NFL draft, set for April 24.