Travis Hunter draft projection: Colorado star's NFL future explored

Colorado's two-way star Travis Hunter has helped to lead the Buffaloes to an 8-3 record and bowl-eligibility for the first time in eight years. Hunter was on the end of a 37-21 defeat to the Kansas Jayhawks on Saturday, leaving the Buffs' postseason prospects in jeopardy.

For most of the season, Hunter has been among the favorites for the coveted Heisman Trophy due to his stellar performances but has recently distinguished himself as the frontrunner for the accolade. Against Kansas, he tallied 125 yards on eight receptions, resulting in two touchdowns on the offensive side of the ball, while registering seven tackles and one pass defended on the defensive side.

According to Tankathon, Hunter is projected to be picked No. 1 overall by the Jacksonville Jaguars in the 2025 NFL draft.

Travis Hunter determined to be two-way star in the NFL

Travis Hunter is averaging 140 snaps per game playing on both sides of the ball for coach Deion Sanders' team, catapulting him into contention for the Heisman Trophy. However, the NFL is a different beast altogether when it comes to its physical demands on players.

During a Zoom call with USA Today this week, the Heisman-contending Hunter admitted that he would declare for the 2025 NFL draft. He also revealed his determination to continue playing on both sides of the ball at the next level despite the higher risks of injury.

“Oh yeah,” Travis Hunter said. “That’s definitely for sure. They said I couldn’t do it in college (being a two-way player). I ended up doing it in college. So a lot of people telling me I can’t do it in the NFL, but I’m gonna still do it in the NFL.

“They don’t want me to be a high risk, you know, if I go top pick − they don’t want their top pick to go down too early. … I believe I can do it. Nobody has stopped me from doing it this far. I believe I can keep doing it, and I like it when people can tell me I can’t do it because it just motivates me to continue to do what I want to do.”

Several fans have expressed their skepticism that Travis Hunter will be allowed to play on both sides of the ball in the NFL, but the Colorado star seems determined to make it work at the next level like he is doing for the Buffaloes.