Travis Hunter: The Two-Way Star Poised for NFL Greatness
Travis Hunter, the two-way sensation who dominated the college football landscape last season, is on everyone’s radar as the 2025 NFL Draft approaches. Hunter, a dual-threat powerhouse, finished first in Heisman voting and led Deion Sanders’ Colorado Buffaloes with his unparalleled versatility. Now, he is projected to be a top-five pick in April’s draft, with the odds shifting and speculations running wild. As of March 3, DraftKings Sportsbook has the New York Giants and New England Patriots as the favorites to draft Hunter, with odds of +275 each. Notably, just a week ago, Hunter was favored to go second to the Cleveland Browns, but the Giants and Patriots have emerged as the frontrunners.
The Draft Odds andSpeculative Scenarios
The current odds at DraftKings Sportsbook paint a picture of where Hunter might land. The Browns are listed at +450, the Tennessee Titans at +500, the Jacksonville Jaguars at +500, and the Las Vegas Raiders at +1100. Jason McIntyre, a FOX Sports betting analyst, predicts that Hunter could go as early as fourth to the Patriots. McIntyre’s reasoning centers on the decision-making process similar to the Detroit Lions’ choice between Penei Sewell and Ja’Marr Chase in 2021. However, McIntyre suggests that while Will Campbell isn’t quite Sewell, Hunter isn’t quite Chase, implying a potential mismatch in the top selections.
A College Career for the Ages
Hunter’s college career was nothing short of extraordinary. Last season, he led the Big 12 in receptions (96) and receiving touchdowns (15), accumulating 1,258 receiving yards in just 13 games. But his prowess wasn’t limited to offense. On the defensive side, Hunter recorded four interceptions and 11 passes defended, firmly establishing himself as the Buffaloes’ best player on both sides of the ball. His dominance culminated in a historic sweep of major awards, including the Heisman Trophy, Lott Trophy, Walter Camp, Chuck Bednarik, and Fred Biletnikoff awards. Additionally, he was a unanimous first-team All-American, Big 12 Defensive Player of the Year, and AP College Football Player of the Year. In essence, Hunter left no hardware unclaimed, cementing his status as a generational talent.
Comparisons to Other Sports Giants
The question of whether Hunter can maintain his dual-threat dominance in the NFL remains a topic of debate. Many believe that the NFL’s intensity and competition will prove too much for even the most talented players to handle. However, FOX Sports national college football analyst RJ Young draws a compelling parallel between Hunter and other sports legends who have defied the odds. Young points to Shohei Ohtani, the Major League Baseball star who has won unanimous MVP honors three times despite initial skepticism about his ability to excel as both a pitcher and a hitter. This comparison underscores the belief that Hunter, like Ohtani, possesses the physical talent and mental fortitude to succeed in a dual role at the highest level of football.
Keyshawn Johnson’s Advocacy
Former NFL star Keyshawn Johnson has thrown his support behind Hunter, specifically advocating for the New England Patriots to trade up to secure the versatile star. Johnson’s endorsement adds weight to the notion that Hunter’s unique skill set could be a game-changer for any team, particularly one like the Patriots, known for their innovative strategies and ability to maximize player potential. Johnson’s belief in Hunter is grounded in the player’s proven track record and the potential for him to redefine the role of a two-way player in the NFL.
The Future Awaits
As the 2025 NFL Draft approaches, the football world is abuzz with anticipation over where Travis Hunter will land. His college career has already set a new standard for what is possible in the sport, and his potential impact in the NFL is a topic of intense speculation. Whether he continues to play both ways or focuses on a single position, there is no denying that Hunter is a once-in-a-generation talent. The teams vying for his services are looking at more than just a player; they are looking at a future cornerstone who could shape the landscape of professional football for years to come. As the draft unfolds, all eyes will be on Hunter, waiting to see where his incredible journey takes him next.
