The Colorado Buffaloes defied all odds on Saturday afternoon, defeating the No. 17 ranked TCU Horned Frogs. And a big factor in their upset win was the terrific performance of dual-threat star Travis Hunter.
Hunter was one of the many players to join Colorado head coach Deion Sanders from Jackson State. What makes him particularly interesting is his ability to play wide receiver on offense, and cornerback on defense.
Coming from Jackson State, there were some obvious concerns about how he and other players coming over to a Power-five conference would adjust against far better competition.
Those concerns were quieted very quickly, as Hunter made a huge impact on both the offensive and defensive sides of the ball.
Hunter was a big factor in Shedeur Sanders’ success passing the ball, recording a team-high 11 receptions for 119 yards.
ALL TRAVIS HUNTER DOES IS MAKE PLAYS.
OH MY GOD!!!
pic.twitter.com/S9fhZhbWxO— JPAFootball (@jasrifootball) September 2, 2023
On defense, he was perhaps even more impressive, recording a ridiculous interception on the goal line to prevent a TCU touchdown which could have swung the momentum of the game.
Colorado two-way star Travis Hunter with a RIDICULOUS goal-line interception vs TCU! 🏈🔥😲 pic.twitter.com/SV0BatBFvM
— The Comeback (@thecomeback) September 2, 2023
On both offense and defense, he combined for over 110 snaps played, which is truly absurd and shows how good of shape he is in.
It’s truly rare to see someone excel this much at every aspect of the game. And for that reason, fans compared him to two-way MLB superstar Shohei Ohtani.
https://twitter.com/bobano/status/1698053393325891596
Draft Travis Hunter now.
Give him the world.
Shohei Ohtani of college football. pic.twitter.com/1F638xusKv
— Savage (@SavageSports_) September 2, 2023
Travis Hunter is our Shohei Ohtani. Absolutely unreal talent at both sides of the ball pic.twitter.com/nNv52t3cLn
— Gomer (@GomesDaLegend) September 2, 2023
People knew who Travis Hunter was… but after today people REALLY know it. Heisman contender and #1 overall pick caliber player. Shohei Ohtani of football
— Air Raid | Buffalo (@TheBillsGuys) September 2, 2023
Colorado’s Travis Hunter has 8 catches for 53 yards on offense and just did this on defense
Ladies and gentlemen, the Shohei Ohtani of college football pic.twitter.com/MLsCeYtwnt
— Neil Horowitz (@njh287) September 2, 2023
Travis Hunter is the Shohei Ohtani of college football oh my god
pic.twitter.com/ETVhQj34B8— James Schiano (@James_Schiano) September 2, 2023
Ohtani has consistently proven to be one of the most special players in MLB history, excelling both as a hitter and as a pitcher. And it looks like Hunter is well on his way to developing that reputation in college football moving forward.
Colorado head coach Deion Sanders spoke about Hunter’s terrific performance shortly after the game, where he made another bold claim about Hunter’s chance to potentially win the Heisman Trophy this year.
“He is HIM,” said Sanders. “We missed him on two deep balls. He gets those two deep balls, the Heisman is in his crib chilling right now.”
"He is HIM. We missed him on two deep balls. He gets those two deep balls, the Heisman is in his crib chilling right now." @DeionSanders had this to say about @CUBuffsFootball's Travis Hunter at the end of the first half ⬇️ pic.twitter.com/2dLhWWxWIQ
— FOX College Football (@CFBONFOX) September 2, 2023
Hunter and Colorado will look to keep their impressive play going in Week 2 when they face off against Matt Rhule and the Nebraska Cornhuskers.
