BOULDER — Travis Hunter is a finalist for the Maxwell Award, the Walter Camp Award, the Biletnikoff Award, the Paul Hornung Award and the Bendarik Award.

But CU Buffs coach Deion Sanders was more confused — and sounded hurt — about one major award for which Hunter was not included as a finalist: the Jim Thorpe Award, given to the best defensive back in college football.

“How Does Travis Hunter Get Snubbed by the Jim Thorpe Award?” asked Coach Prime, who won the award at Florida State. “You can have my award. You can get it back. In fact, I’m going to give him mine. I don’t use it. It just sits there collecting dust.”

Hunter, a two-way junior who regularly plays more than 120 snaps per game on both sides of the ball, leads CU in interceptions (three) and passes defensed (nine) from the cornerback position.

In 20 games with the Buffs, the 6-foot-1 Hunter has collected six interceptions and 14 passes broken up.

The Thorpe finalists were Texas CB Jahdae Barron, Ohio State Safety Caleb Downs and Georgia Safety Malaki Starks.

“Whoever votes there, whoever takes it home, thank you,” Sanders continued. “Because I don’t even want mine right now. I bless you.”

In other CU news, Sanders said Hunter and son Shedeur Sanders will play in a CU bowl game, even if the postseason appearance is not part of the College Football Playoff.

“No, (Friday is) not the last time you’ll see them in a Buffs uniform,” Coach Prime said. “We’re going to go to a bowl game and end this on the right note.”

In addition, Sanders said he expects wide receiver Jimmy Horn Jr., cornerback Isaiah Hardge and defensive lineman Shane Cokes to play against Oklahoma State, but said tackle Phillip Houston and defensive lineman Amari McNeil are likely out.

Originally published: November 26, 2024 at 12:47 PM MST