Colorado Buffaloes two-way star Travis Hunter won a pair of awards on Thursday night that had some college football fans upset.
The finalist for the Heisman Trophy won the Chuck Bednarik Award for the best defensive player and the Fred Biletnikoff Award, which goes to the best wide receiver.
Hunter has a solid year as a cornerback and wide receiver. The 21-year-old has performed well enough that he’s expected to be a lock to go in the top ten of the 2025 NFL Draft.
Is Travis Hunter the best WR or defender in college football?
However, there are questions if Hunter is really the best wide receiver or defender in college football. While Hunter plays more snaps than any college player, there are arguably better cornerbacks and wide receivers in college football.
As CFP Kings points out, San Jose State wide receiver Nick Nash leads FBS in several statistical categories for wide receiver:
- 1st in receptions
- 1st in receptions per game
- 1st in receiving yards
- 1st in receiving yards per game
- 1st in receiving touchdowns
Nash recorded 104 receptions for 1,382 yards and 16 touchdowns in 2024. In comparison, Hunter has 92 receptions for 1,152 yards and 12 touchdowns for Colorado.
Travis Hunter wins the Biletnikoff Award as the most outstanding WR in College Football.
San Jose State WR Nick Nash:
• 1st in receptions
• 1st in receptions per game
• 1st in receiving yards
• 1st in receiving yards per game
• 1st in receiving touchdownsCFB awards 📉 pic.twitter.com/YuMGtgLewF
— CFB Kings (@CFBKings) December 13, 2024
Texas’ Jahdae Barron won the Jim Thorpe Award, which goes to the best defensive back in college football. Many analysts thought Hunter was snubbed from the award, but it’s hard to argue against Barron’s play in 2024.
College football fans have strong opinions on the awards
Fans had strong opinions on Hunter winning the Bednarik Award and Biletnikoff Award on Thursday night.
“Wasn’t snubbed also wasn’t the best wide receiver but won over Nash,” wrote a fan. “Great two way player, not the Heisman or Biletnikoff in the as best wide receiver in college…But he does play for Deion and he was the number 1 recruit coming out of HS so the noise and politics are very loud.”
“Hunter is a very good DB and a very good WR. But he isn’t the best at either,” argued one fan.
“Most over rated player,” posted another.
“Nick Nash robbed, G5 players will never get their deserved rewards because these award committees tend to value brands over on-field performance,” wrote a fan.
“Let’s see Travis Hunter and Nick Nash switch teams,” suggested a fan.
“Travis hunter had back to back games where he was held to 26 yards and 17 yards. That doesn’t sound like the best reciever to me. He’s a good receiver, but should win the biletnikoff because he’s also a good db. Heisman makes sense, best reciever award no shot,” posted another.
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