Travis Hunter, the dynamic two-way talent from the Colorado Buffaloes, is set to showcase his skills as a “defensive back” at the 2025 NFL Scouting Combine, scheduled for February 24 to March 3. This announcement highlights Hunter’s versatility and potential impact in the professional league.
Having excelled as both a wide receiver and cornerback during his college career, Hunter joins three other Colorado athletes at the combine: quarterback Shedeur Sanders and wide receivers Jimmy Horn Jr. and LaJohntay Wester. His invitation underscores the growing recognition of Colorado’s football program under head coach Deion Sanders.
Hunter is widely regarded as one of the top prospects in the upcoming NFL Draft. In his last season, he recorded 96 receptions for 1,258 yards and 15 touchdowns, leading the Big 12 in both categories. Defensively, he contributed significantly with four interceptions, 11 passes defended, and 36 combined tackles, showcasing his dual-threat capability.
His impressive performance earned him the prestigious 2024 Heisman Trophy Award, making him the first Colorado player to win this accolade since Rashaan Salaam in 1994. Additionally, he was recognized as the Big 12 Defensive Player of the Year. The previous season, Hunter had 57 receptions for 721 yards and five touchdowns, along with three interceptions and 30 combined tackles in just nine games.
As a two-time All-American, Hunter’s journey began at Jackson State before he followed Coach Deion Sanders to Colorado in 2023. The ongoing debate about whether he will focus on offense or defense at the professional level adds intrigue to his draft prospects.
The outcome of the draft could hinge on the needs of teams at the top, particularly those seeking a long-term quarterback. This scenario may elevate the draft stock of Hunter’s former teammate Shedeur Sanders, along with Miami’s 2024 Heisman finalist Cam Ward.
The Tennessee Titans, Cleveland Browns, and New York Giants hold the first three picks in the draft, all of which are in search of a franchise quarterback. Meanwhile, the New England Patriots and Jacksonville Jaguars, who appear to have their quarterback situations settled, round out the top five selections.
