Boulder, CO——Travis Hunter’s defining Heisman moment came in the form of an acrobatic touchdown grab with a defender clinging to him, epitomizing his dominance on both sides of the ball. That catch, coupled with two additional touchdowns and an interception, left little doubt about his case for college football’s most prestigious individual award—at least in the eyes of his coach.
“Travis locked up the Heisman today,” Colorado head coach Deion Sanders declared following the No. 23 Buffaloes’ emphatic 52-0 victory over Oklahoma State on Friday. The win kept Colorado’s slim hopes of reaching the Big 12 championship game alive.
Hunter put on a show for the bowl-bound Buffaloes (9-3, 7-2 Big 12, No. 25 CFP), tallying 10 receptions for 116 yards and three touchdowns. His season total of 14 touchdown catches broke Nelson Spruce’s single-season school record of 12, set in 2014. After his third score, Hunter struck the iconic Heisman pose, a fitting gesture for his record-breaking day.
“He’s the best player in college football,” Sanders said. “You can nitpick, criticize, or try to find flaws, but you won’t come out looking credible. Travis Hunter proves every single week that he’s the best there is.”
Quarterback Shedeur Sanders echoed the sentiment, making his case for his star receiver. “There’s no debate now,” Shedeur said. “What he’s done all season, and the consistency he’s shown, that’s what the Heisman is about.”
Shedeur had his own historic performance, passing for 438 yards to break Colorado’s single-season passing record. He ended the regular season with 3,926 yards, surpassing Koy Detmer’s 1996 record of 3,527 yards. Shedeur’s five touchdown passes on the day brought his season total to 35, another school record.
Now, Colorado waits to see if chaos can create a path to the Big 12 title game. They’ll need help, starting with two losses among No. 14 Arizona State, No. 19 BYU, or No. 17 Iowa State. Another possibility involves BYU losing and Texas Tech defeating West Virginia.
“Look at how we bounced back,” Deion Sanders said, referencing the Buffaloes’ recovery after last week’s 37-21 loss to Kansas. “We dusted ourselves off, got back in the saddle, and shouted, ‘Giddy-up.’”
Colorado came out firing, racing to a 21-0 first-quarter lead and maintaining momentum throughout. The defense was relentless, forcing four turnovers, including a pick-six by DJ McKinney. The shutout was Colorado’s first since a 34-0 win over Arizona in 2021.
Receiver LaJohntay Wester also shined, catching 11 passes for 175 yards and two touchdowns. His 322 career receptions, spanning his time at Colorado and Florida Atlantic, tie him for sixth on the NCAA’s all-time list.
Before the game, Shedeur Sanders was named the winner of the Johnny Unitas Golden Arm Award, recognizing the nation’s top quarterback. More accolades could follow for both Shedeur and Hunter. However, Deion Sanders expressed frustration that Hunter wasn’t named a finalist for the Jim Thorpe Award, which honors the nation’s top defensive back.
Hunter did make his mark defensively, snagging an interception in the first quarter and nearly adding another. “I can’t believe I dropped it,” Hunter joked, staring at his hands in mock disbelief.
Oklahoma State’s dismal season ended with a nine-game losing streak, their first winless conference campaign since 1994. Head coach Mike Gundy was blunt about the team’s struggles. “It was rough. We didn’t give ourselves much of a chance offensively.”
Folsom Farewell
Senior Day at Folsom Field was an emotional one for Shedeur and Shilo Sanders, who were among 21 seniors honored before the game. The brothers were accompanied to midfield by their father and coach, Deion Sanders.
Key Takeaways
Colorado: The Buffaloes showed resilience after last week’s setback, bolstered by record-breaking performances from both Hunter and Shedeur Sanders. They now await the outcome of other games to determine their championship fate.
Oklahoma State: Receiver Brennan Presley set a program milestone, becoming the first Cowboy to record four seasons with at least 1,000 all-purpose yards. However, the team’s offensive woes defined their season-ending loss.
Up Next:
Oklahoma State: Get ready for next season.
Colorado: Awaits a bowl bid, possible a spot in the Big 12 title game.
