Travis Hunter shone on offense and defense as the Colorado Buffaloes earned a huge statement win over UCF.
Deion Sanders‘ team went into the game as 14.5-point underdogs, but defied the odds with a 42-21 victory.
Hunter pulls the famous Heisman pose after an interception
The Buffaloes are now 4-1 and beating a Big 12 opponent on the road by such a margin will go a long way to silencing their critics.
Shedeur Sanders enhanced his NFL Draft credentials with a strong performance after being picked on the first drive.
But it was two-way threat Hunter who grabbed the headlines.
The 21-year-old caught nine of 10 targets for 79 yards and a touchdown playing as a wide receiver.
And he also dazzled at cornerback – picking off KJ Jefferson in the third quarter and hitting the Heisman pose in a highlight-reel celebration.
Only one primarily defensive player has ever won the coveted award, although superstar Detroit Lions pass-rusher Aidan Hutchinson finished second in 2021.
Michigan standout Charles Woodson scooped the award as a lockdown cornerback in 1997.
The Wolverines star also played at wideout and returned kicks – with his jack-of-all-trades approach an example for Hunter to follow.
Woodson beat Peyton Manning to the award and went fourth overall in the 1998 NFL Draft.
He enjoyed a Hall of Fame career with the Oakland Raiders and Green Bay Packers, winning the Super Bowl with the Packers in 2010.
Woodson won the Heisman before a Hall of Fame NFL career
Quarterback Sanders also looks like a high Draft pickGetty
Woodson has kept an eye on Hunter’s career and backed the rising star to follow in his footsteps.
“My man hit the heisman on they a**.. imagine that heisman commercial when I bring some help on defense,” he posted on X.
NFL analysts were also lining up to praise Hunter.
“Travis Hunter. The best player in the country. No debate,” posted Field Yates.
“Travis Hunter is generational,” added Pat McAfee.
“Travis Hunter my goodness!!! Soooooo ridiculously talented,” wrote Jay Glazer.
Journalists also believe the quarterback-dominated Heisman should be heading to the Buffaloes athlete.
“And Travis Hunter just picked off another pass. He’s so far ahead of everyone in the Heisman race, he cannot be seen,” said Sports Illustrated’s Pat Forde.
“Might as well just give Travis Hunter the trophy right now. This kid is absolutely unreal,” added Brett Kollmann.
Former NFL star Richard Sherman wrote on X that he thinks Hunter and Sanders could be the first and second picks in next year’s Draft.
He also called on people to give Coach Prime credit for the work he is doing on the sidelines.
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