With only a few weeks remaining in the college football regular season, ESPN analyst Paul Finebaum has already declared the Heisman Trophy race decided.
Like many people, Finebaum’s pick to win the prestigious award is Colorado two-way star Travis Hunter.
Despite a relatively quiet game as a receiver last Saturday, where Hunter posted five catches for 55 yards, the junior delivered a highlight-reel moment that has captivated the football world.
Hunter turned a broken trick play into a dazzling touchdown run during Colorado’s commanding 49-24 win over Utah.
To punctuate the score, he struck the iconic Heisman pose.
According to Finebaum, Hunter’s celebration wasn’t premature.
During a recent appearance on ESPN’s SportsCenter, Finebaum expressed confidence that Hunter will indeed hoist the Heisman Trophy in New York next month.
“I think it is over. I know there’s a couple of weeks left, but he, in many ways, won the Heisman before the season because we knew how talented he was,” Finebaum said.
“It was just a matter of clearing the rest of the field out. But I believe the Heisman pose was properly demonstrated, and he’s got a few more games left. I don’t think he can do any damage because he is the best player in college football.”
Hunter’s unique two-way ability makes him a standout candidate in a Heisman race that typically favors quarterbacks.
The junior has amassed 911 receiving yards and 10 touchdowns on offense, while also excelling on defense with three interceptions and a forced fumble.
His dynamic performances have made him the clear betting favorite, listed at -330 on FanDuel Sportsbook, -360 on DraftKings, and -400 on BetMGM.
The only other serious contender, Boise State running back Ashton Jeanty, has posted an extraordinary season of his own with a school-record 1,893 rushing yards and 27 total touchdowns.
However, Hunter’s ability to dominate on both sides of the ball – and the possibility of leading Colorado to an improbable Big 12 championship – gives him a significant edge.
(Don’t tell that to the Jeanty crowd though…)
Colorado head coach Deion Sanders is just as confident as Finebaum about Hunter’s Heisman chances but insists there’s no need for lobbying.
“It’s supposed to go to the best college football player. I think that’s been a wrap since Week 2,” Sanders said. “So, we ain’t petitioning for nobody. We ain’t doing that.
“We’ve got a wonderful display of cameras here, and I think we’re on national television every week. If they can’t see it, there’s a problem.”
Hunter’s performance and Sanders’ confidence have brought excitement back to the Heisman discussion, especially as the junior attempts to break the recent quarterback dominance of the award.
What are your thoughts on Finebaum’s prediction?
Do you think Hunter will indeed win the Heisman? … Or is someone else, like Jeanty, more deserving???
