Deion Sanders livid that Colorado star Travis Hunter isn’t a finalist for top DB award: ‘I'm going

Colorado head coach Deion Sanders is fuming over the omission of his star player, Travis Hunter, from the list of finalists for the prestigious Jim Thorpe Award, presented annually to the nation’s top defensive back. Sanders, who won the award himself in 1988 during his storied career at Florida State, expressed his outrage with characteristic candor, even going so far as to offer Hunter his own trophy.

“How is Travis Hunter snubbed by the Jim Thorpe Award?” Sanders exclaimed. “You can have mine. I’m not using it. It’s just sitting up there collecting dust. Travis can have it because this is one of the most idiotic decisions in college football.”

Sanders’ fiery comments come after the announcement of the three finalists: Texas cornerback Jahdae Barron, Ohio State safety Caleb Downs, and Georgia safety Malaki Starks. The award winner will be revealed on December 12. Meanwhile, Hunter, a standout performer for Colorado this season, was left off the list despite his impressive stats.

Comparing the Numbers

Hunter’s season as a two-way player has been nothing short of remarkable. On defense, he has recorded 31 tackles and three interceptions, while on offense, he has racked up 1,036 receiving yards, 82 catches, and 11 touchdowns. Despite these contributions, his defensive numbers were overshadowed by those of the finalists:

Jahdae Barron (Texas): 41 tackles and four interceptions

Caleb Downs (Ohio State): 50 tackles

Malaki Starks (Georgia): 55 tackles and one interception

Although Hunter’s defensive stats fall short of the finalists, his versatility and impact on both sides of the ball have made him a unique figure in college football.

Recognized as a Top Wide Receiver

While Hunter missed out on the Thorpe Award nomination, he was named a finalist for the Biletnikoff Award, which honors the nation’s best wide receiver. He joins Arizona’s Tetairoa McMillan and San Jose State’s Nick Nash as finalists.

Sanders Questions the Integrity of the Award

Sanders did not hold back in his criticism of the Thorpe Award committee, implying that Hunter’s exclusion undermines the credibility of the honor. “They’ve just pretty much messed up all the integrity of the award,” Sanders said. “I don’t even want mine now.”

Sanders, now in his second year as head coach at Colorado, has led the Buffaloes to an 8-3 record heading into their regular-season finale against Oklahoma State. Despite a recent loss to Kansas, which likely dashed their hopes for a Big 12 title game appearance, the Buffaloes are on track for their first bowl game since 2020.

A Bowl Game and NFL Dreams Await

Both Hunter and quarterback Shedeur Sanders, Deion’s son, are expected to be top picks in the upcoming NFL Draft. However, Deion Sanders confirmed that the team’s stars will not sit out the postseason. “It’s not the last time you’re going to see them in a Buffs uniform,” Sanders assured fans.

The Buffaloes’ upcoming bowl appearance marks a milestone for the program, which hasn’t celebrated a bowl victory since 2004. “Our fans deserve the absolute best,” Sanders said. “We’re going to fight, try to go out there, and end this thing on the right note.”

Colorado fans will now turn their attention to Friday’s clash with Oklahoma State, hoping for a strong finish to a promising season under Sanders’ leadership.