Latest news with #Heisman-winning
USA Today
a day ago
- Sport
- USA Today
Travis Hunter makes CBS Sports' top 10 most dynamic college football players since 2000
Travis Hunter makes CBS Sports' top 10 most dynamic college football players since 2000 Former Colorado Buffaloes superstar Travis Hunter is without question the top two-way player in college football history. But does that mean he is the most dynamic? CBS Sports' Brad Crawford ranked the 25 most dynamic college football players over the past 25 years, and Hunter, the lone Colorado Buffalo on the list, came in at No. 6. Running back Reggie Bush (USC) ranked No. 1, followed by quarterbacks Cam Newton (Auburn), Johnny Manziel (Texas A&M), Lamar Jackson (Louisville) and Vince Young (Texas). Former Oklahoma standout running back Adrian Peterson fell one spot behind Hunter at No. 7. Perhaps Crawford ranking Hunter only at No. 6 has something to do with how he defines "dynamic." He wrote that he prioritized players who "jumped off the screen" in big games or demonstrated their dominance with elite athleticism, speed, or talent. Hunter did not play in many big games at Colorado, but his athleticism and talent checked Crawford's criteria. No recency bias here -- when you become the first player in history to win the Bednarik and the Biletnikoff, it sticks. Hunter's Heisman win last season was unprecedented as the two-way starter played considerably more snaps than any player in college football history during a single season. He was special with the ball in his hands and made it a nightmare for opposing quarterbacks with ball skills and closing speed at cornerback that was second to none. In his final season at Colorado, Hunter racked up 96 receptions for 1,258 receiving yards and 16 total touchdowns on offense while adding 35 tackles, 11 pass breakups, four interceptions and a forced fumble. His Heisman-winning junior season propelled him to the top of NFL draft boards, ultimately leading to him becoming the No. 2 overall pick in the NFL draft. Hunter is attempting to become the first full-time two-way player in the NFL and has been working at both wide receiver and cornerback during the Jacksonville Jaguars' offseason practices. Follow Charlie Strella on X, Threads, and Instagram. Contact/Follow us @BuffaloesWire on X (formerly Twitter), and like our page on Facebook for ongoing coverage of Colorado news, notes and opinions.
USA Today
12-05-2025
- Sport
- USA Today
Florida football QB DJ Lagway is CBS Sports' top Heisman candidate for the Gators in 2025
Florida football QB DJ Lagway is CBS Sports' top Heisman candidate for the Gators in 2025 The Heisman Trophy — an honor bestowed upon the perceived best player in college football each season — is one of the most storied awards in all of sports. It has been a long time since the Florida Gators have had a Heisman-winning player — 18 years in fact. Since Tim Tebow won the third trophy in UF history back in 2007, there have not been many challengers for the Orange and Blue when it comes to the preeminent accolade in collegiate athletics. That could all change this coming fall, if quarterback DJ Lagway can live up to his lofty expectations. While the sophomore signal-caller is just getting over a pair of lingering injury issues, CBS Sports Shehan Jeyarajah still foresees the Gators' gunslinger as the top Heisman contender in the Swamp. "Lagway was 247Sports' No. 1 quarterback in the nation coming out of high school and he backed up that billing with some incredible flashes as a freshman. He threw six touchdowns during a four-game winning streak to end the year that included upsets over Ole Miss and LSU," Jeyarajah states. "With another offseason of growth, Lagway should take his rightful place among the best in the country." Follow us @GatorsWire on X, formerly known as Twitter, as well as Bluesky, and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Florida Gators news, notes and opinions.
USA Today
12-05-2025
- Sport
- USA Today
What current Vikings could have their numbers retired?
What current Vikings could have their numbers retired? Retiring jersey numbers have been a bit of a hot topic this offseason. Rookie New York Giants EDGE rusher Abdul Carter asked for the permission of Lawrence Taylor and Phil Simms to wear their retired numbers, but was shot down by each. Some wondered why an unproven rookie would have the nerve to ask for a number when they are supposed to be retired for a reason. In college, controversy arose when the University of Colorado football team retired Shedeur Sanders' number. His No. 2 jersey was retired along with Heisman-winning receiver/cornerback Travis Hunter's No. 12. Some wondered how much the honor had to do with Sanders' play and how much with his Hall of Fame father being the team's head coach. The Minnesota Vikings have only retired six numbers in their history. Cris Carter's No. 80 was the last number to be retired back in 2003, so the team has been stingy with adding to the list. But that doesn't mean the list can't grow at some point. Today, we'll look at three numbers that the Vikings could retire. Smith is the longest-tenured Viking, having spanned three coaching regimes since being drafted in 2012. He's the active leader in interceptions (37) and last year became the sixth player in league history to record 35 interceptions and 20 sacks in his career. Despite this, Smith has been somewhat underrated over his career due to his quiet, stoic demeanor. Although he has had six Pro Bowl appearances, he has only been selected as a First Team All-Pro once (2017). Fortunately, the national media doesn't vote on jersey retirements, and Smith is one of the most popular Vikings among the fans, local media, and organization. What could hold Smith back from seeing his number retired is that Paul Krause, who played from 1964-78 and is the NFL's all-time interception leader, also wore 22. That could cause angst with one of the greatest Vikings legends of all time. However, fans may not have a problem seeing them have their number retired together. It feels inevitable that Jefferson's No. 18 jersey will be retired when his career ends. But, in a similar vein to Krause, retiring No. 18 and not Randy Moss' No. 84 could irritate Moss. That's not Jefferson's fault, but it could hold him up for a while. Still, no one in league history averages more receiving yards per game than Jefferson (96.5). He was the NFL Offensive Player Of the Year in 2022 after catching 128 passes for 1,809 yards and eight touchdowns. And his "Griddy" celebration has spawned plenty of good and bad tributes. A postseason run could go a long way in cementing Jefferson's status in Vikings history, although it isn't necessarily required. But being the top target on a pass-first Super Bowl-winning team could put Jefferson on Moss' level. Speaking of postseason success.... Yes, you read that right. And no, I do not regret forcing you to make that face. McCarthy has yet to play a down in the NFL after tearing his meniscus during his first preseason game as a rookie. Kevin O'Connell hasn't officially named him the team's starting quarterback. And we don't even know if McCarthy can replicate Sam Darnold's 2024 season, yet. So why the hell is McCarthy on this list? The answer is simple: he's the quarterback. And because the Vikings have never won a Super Bowl, the guy who leads the team to their first championship will be treated like royalty. Could McCarthy be the second coming of Christian Ponder? Sure. But he could also be the first true franchise quarterback the team has had in decades. The Vikings haven't had a long-term answer at quarterback since the Fran Tarkenton and Tommy Kramer days. What kind of success could the Vikings see with a quarterback who has ten chances at getting to the Super Bowl? Minnesota has seen early playoff exits twice in O'Connell's tenure. Those came with Kirk Cousins and Darnold, not exactly quarterbacks synonymous with spectacular play under pressure. McCarthy's last meaningful football game ended with him hoisting the National Championship trophy. If he can lead the Vikings to those levels, his jersey retirement will be announced shortly after he retires from playing.
Yahoo
09-05-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Shedeur Sanders, Travis Hunter Make Same Decision on NFL Future
The Colorado Buffaloes made waves during the 2024 season, putting together a solid 9-4 record headlined by a pair of stars in quarterback Shedeur Sanders and Heisman-winning two-way player Travis Hunter. Though they took the next step in their football careers, as both were taken in the 2025 NFL Draft, where Hunter went to the Jacksonville Jaguars with the No. 2 pick, while Sanders fell to the Cleveland Browns at No. 144 in the fifth round. Advertisement On Friday, the Jaguars announced some exciting news involving Hunter and all their other rookies, revealing that he would start his career wearing No. 12, which is the same number donned in his time with the Buffaloes. It wouldn't have been the end of the world if he weren't able to choose his old college number, but he was lucky nobody on the roster already had it, as the last player to wear it was wide receiver Devin Duvernay in 2024, who is now with the Chicago Bears. Of course, this means he will be matching Sanders, with the Browns announcing on Tuesday that he would be switching to No. 12 after wearing No. 2 all four years of his college career. Advertisement The reasoning behind the change is that seven-year veteran wide receiver DeAndre Carter, who just signed with the Browns this offseason on a one-year, $1.4 million deal, had already claimed it. Former Colorado Buffaloes QB Shedeur Sanders (2) with WR Travis Hunter (12).Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images The change for Sanders was seen as relatively significant by some fans, as his and Hunter's college numbers were officially retired by Colorado during their spring game on April 19. Now, though, the former teammates have a chance to start their own legacy with their respective teams, and even try to one day make sure nobody can wear the No. 12 again. Related: Chiefs Predicted to Sign $79 Million Star for Patrick Mahomes' 'Revenge Tour'
Fox News
26-04-2025
- Sport
- Fox News
2025 NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year odds: Ward, Jeanty favored
Round 1 of the 2025 NFL Draft was filled with surprises. And now, oddsmakers are ready to start cooking on the 2025 NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year odds. It should come as no surprise that the draft's No. 1 overall pick, Miami QB Cam Ward, is a top contender to take home the award. However, Ward was just one of many offensive studs selected Thursday night, with running back Ashton Jeanty neck-and-neck on the oddsboard with Ward. Two-way star Travis Hunter and receiver Tetairoa McMillan are in the running as well. Let's get into the 2025 OROY odds at FanDuel Sportsbook as of April 25. 2025-26 NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year odds Cam Ward, Titans: +330 (bet $10 to win $43 total)Ashton Jeanty, Raiders: +340 (bet $10 to win $44 total)Travis Hunter, Jaguars: +600 (bet $10 to win $70 total)Tetairoa McMillan, Panthers: +650 (bet $10 to win $75 total)Omarion Hampton, Chargers: +1400 (bet $10 to win $150 total)Matthew Golden, Packers: +1900 (bet $10 to win $200 total) As mentioned, the Titans selected Ward with the first overall pick, which everyone saw coming. Last season, he set the Division I record for passing touchdowns (156) and, as of Friday afternoon, sits atop the OROY oddsboard. Right behind Ward is Jeanty, the Boise State running back whose 2,601 rushing yards last season were the second-most in a single season in college football history (Barry Sanders rushed for 2,628 in 1988). Jeanty went sixth to the Las Vegas Raiders. Hunter, the second pick in the draft, is third on the oddsboard, even though it's unclear if he will play receiver or cornerback in the NFL — if not both. Last season, the Heisman-winning Hunter also won both the Biletnikoff (most outstanding college receiver) and Benarik (most outstanding college defender) awards. He had 96 receptions, 1,258 receiving yards and 15 touchdowns for the Colorado Buffaloes. Want great stories delivered right to your inbox? Create or log in to your FOX Sports account, and follow leagues, teams and players to receive a personalized newsletter daily!
