Travis Hunter continues to build a compelling Heisman Trophy argument.
Colorado's superstar cornerback/wide receiver made an incredible diving interception against UCF on Saturday, then struck the Heisman pose in celebration.
TRAVIS HUNTER HITS THE HEISMAN POSE AFTER THE INTERCEPTION 🏆👀@CUBuffsFootballpic.twitter.com/Qc9W0pzJbM
— FOX College Football (@CFBONFOX) September 28, 2024
Entering this week, Hunter wasn't among the betting favorites, despite his outstanding weekly performances. Per Action Network's Chase Howell, Hunter came into Week 5 play "hovering between +1000 and +1500 across all major American sportsbooks."
Hunter's current standing represents a significant improvement from his odds at the start of the season, which priced him at +6500 to win college football's most prestigious individual award. However, Hunter still trails on the odds board behind several quarterbacks, a position that has historically dominated the award's winners list. Michigan's Charles Woodson is still the only player ever to win the Heisman (1997) while playing both sides of the ball.
Hunter finished Saturday's dominant win against UCF with nine catches for 89 yards and one score, plus two tackles and an interception. He crossed the 500-yard threshold as a receiver for the season in addition to tracking down his second pick of the year.
BetMGM's Michael Ranftle told Howell that Colorado's team play and final record will likely factor into Hunter's Heisman evaluation. The Buffaloes are currently 4-1.
"Colorado will most likely be underdogs for the majority of their remaining schedule," Ranftle, BetMGM's senior sports trader, said. "Even if the Buffaloes win half their games, they would be 7-5 on the season and it would be tough for one of their players to win the award."
Former Heisman-winning quarterback Johnny Manziel told Howell coming into this week that he doesn't believe Hunter has done enough to warrant being the Heisman favorite just yet. "I don't know if [Hunter] should be the favorite right now," Manziel said. "Obviously, I think he's one of the most explosive, dynamic players in college football, but to be the favorite, I don't know if he's done enough yet to warrant that."
