Colorado Buffaloes standout Travis Hunter is set to return to action against the Cincinnati Bearcats this Saturday, as confirmed by head coach Deion Sanders on Tuesday. Despite battling a shoulder injury that sidelined him for significant stretches in recent games, Hunter is “feeling much better” and ready to contribute.
Hunter, who has aspirations for the Heisman Trophy, excels as both a cornerback and wide receiver. He left the field during the second quarter of Colorado’s 34-7 victory over Arizona, where he recorded one catch for 17 yards and made a tackle, participating in a total of 54 snaps (41 on offense, 13 on defense).
Following halftime, FOX Sports sideline reporter Allison Williams indicated that the coaching staff opted to keep Hunter on the sidelines for precautionary reasons after he aggravated his shoulder. In the previous game against Kansas State, Hunter exited early after colliding with safety Daniel Cobbs while catching a 14-yard pass, finishing with three receptions for 26 yards and one tackle. Notably, he played a season-low of 44 snaps, well below his usual average of over 100 combined snaps in his dual roles.
Despite a dip in Heisman odds due to his injury, Hunter remains a strong candidate for the No. 1 overall pick in the 2025 NFL Draft, showcasing his immense talent and potential.
Currently standing at 5-2, Colorado is just one win shy of bowl eligibility for the first time since 2016. A victory against the Bearcats this Saturday night would secure their sixth win, and having their star player back on the field is expected to significantly bolster their chances.
