Travis Hunter didn’t make the cut for the Jim Thorpe Award finalists, and Coach Deion Sanders isn’t having it. The Colorado coach is so upset he’s willing to hand over his own trophy to his star player.
Coach Sanders Fumes Over Award Snub
Sanders couldn’t believe his ears when he heard Hunter wasn’t a finalist.
“How is Travis Hunter not a finalist for the Jim Thorpe Award?” he exclaimed on Tuesday. The coach, who won the award himself back in 1988 at Florida State, was visibly upset.
He even went as far as saying, “You can have mine. I ain’t using it, just sitting up there collecting dust.”
Hunter’s stats speak volumes. He’s got three interceptions and nine pass breakups. Opposing teams rarely throw his way because of his lockdown skills. Remember that overtime win against Baylor? Hunter forced a game-ending fumble.
Hunter’s Season Filled with Accolades
Despite the snub, Hunter’s been racking up nominations left and right.
He’s a finalist for several major awards:
- Maxwell Award (most outstanding player)
- Biletnikoff Award (best receiver)
- Bednarik Award (top defensive player)
- Paul Hornung Award (most versatile)
- Walter Camp Award (player of the year)
Oh, and let’s not forget—he’s the favorite for the Heisman Trophy, according to BetMGM. With 82 catches for 1,036 yards and 11 touchdowns, he’s been a go-to target for quarterback Shedeur Sanders.
Shedeur Sanders’ Close Call on the Field
Last Saturday against Kansas, Shedeur Sanders took a scary hit. Defensive end Dean Miller went low after a pass, taking out the quarterback’s legs. It looked bad, but thankfully, no injury.
Deion Sanders said both Kansas coach Lance Leipold and Miller reached out. Miller plans to apologize directly to Shedeur.
“He’s going to apologize, and Shedeur is going to accept it,” Coach Sanders said. “Let’s not make a big deal out of something that happened in the heat of the battle.”
Future of Hunter and Shedeur Sanders with Colorado
Friday’s game against Oklahoma State might be the last time we see Hunter and Shedeur in Colorado jerseys. They’re projected as top picks in the upcoming NFL draft.
But hold on, Coach Sanders isn’t confirming anything just yet.
“It’s not the last time you’re going to see them in a Buff uniform,” he insisted. Even if they don’t make the Big 12 title game, they might play in a bowl game.
“We’re going to fight and try to go out there and kick some butt,” he added.
