A long time ago, college football players often played both offense and defense. In Colorado’s history, standout two-way players like Byron “Whizzer” White were common, as he excelled in every aspect of the game in the mid-1930s. Joe Romig also shined in 1961, securing a spot in the Heisman Trophy voting while playing both offensive guard and linebacker.

Today, Travis Hunter is a rare exception. The junior cornerback and receiver may be the top player in the country this year. He had an impressive 721 receiving yards and three interceptions last season, and he could surpass these stats if he stays healthy.

Hunter is on preseason watch lists for six major awards, including the Jim Thorpe Award for the best defensive back and the Biletnikoff Award for the best receiver. Many experts have named him a preseason All-American and expect him to be a top pick in the 2025 NFL Draft.

Awarded the Paul Hornung Award for versatility in 2023, Hunter stands out as one of the most versatile players in recent decades. Even Pro Football Hall of Famers like Champ Bailey and Deion Sanders, now Colorado’s head coach, acknowledge his exceptional talent. Sanders himself has praised Hunter, stating, “At his age and stage, he’s better.”

On the field, Hunter’s talents are undeniable, yet he’s not one to boast about them. Even though he’s often considered the top player in the country, Hunter hasn’t held a press conference since the 2023 opener at TCU. This summer, he missed Big 12 media day in July and CU’s fall sports media day on August 9. To truly understand Hunter, you need to hear what those around him have to say. Here’s what people are saying about CU’s most extraordinary player in decades:

“Coach Prime praises Travis not just for his skills but also for his character. He’s one of the top students on the team and a genuinely good person. Coach Prime is thrilled to have him, valuing both his athletic ability and his strong character. It’s been rewarding to see him grow from high school into a standout player.”

Defensive coordinator Robert Livingston was asked if Hunter is ready for the NFL now and responded: “I truly believe Travis can achieve anything he sets his mind to. I’ve seen him excel in every aspect. He’s a standout player who excels in both academics and on the field. He’s dedicated, and I genuinely think he’s capable of reaching his goals. While I don’t want to add any pressure, I believe he has the potential to do almost anything.”

Receivers coach Jason Phillips shared his thoughts on coaching Hunter: “It’s been a real pleasure. Travis is one of the best individuals I’ve had the chance to coach. He grasps the game exceptionally well and is always eager to improve. The main question scouts have is how to coach him, and my response is simple: just coach him, because he’s very receptive to coaching. He’s a great teammate, both on and off the field, and his talent inspires everyone around him to elevate their own performance. It’s been an incredible experience working with him.”

Quarterback Shedeur Sanders says, “Just watch the film—his skills speak for themselves. There’s nothing more I can add; what you see is who he truly is.”

Safety Shilo Sanders adds, “What sets him apart is his decision-making. Football is more about mental skills than physical speed. While the difference between 4.4 and 4.7 seconds isn’t huge, it’s the sharp decisions that make the real difference.”