In the Alamo Bowl, Travis Hunter and Shedeur Sanders concluded their time at Colorado with a 36-14 loss to BYU. Despite the defeat, their influence on the field and beyond in Boulder remains profound.
During the game on December 28, 2024, in San Antonio, Travis Hunter, a notable Heisman Trophy winner, demonstrated his prowess by securing four passes for an impressive 106 yards and scoring a 43-yard touchdown. His efforts, though not enough to turn the tide, highlighted his dual capabilities, also making four solo tackles in defense.
Shedeur Sanders contributed with a commendable performance, completing 16 of 23 passes for 208 yards, alongside two touchdowns and two interceptions, despite facing relentless pressure resulting in three sacks. These performances, though short of victory, showcased their readiness for professional progression as both are anticipated to be top selections in the upcoming NFL draft.
Deion Sanders, their coach, expressed confidence in their future, stating, “They are going to have tremendous careers. They are going to move on. They flush it. They may analyze it on the way home, but they are going to flush it.” This sentiment underscores the developmental success the program experienced under his leadership, converting Colorado from a less prominent team into a focal point of college football enthusiasm.
The transformation brought about by Coach Sanders’ recruitment of top talent, including his son, quarterback Shedeur Sanders, and wide receiver Travis Hunter, rejuvenated the program. Colorado recorded its first bowl appearance since 2020 amidst unmatched fan interest, selling out home games for two consecutive seasons— a first in its 134-year history. The heightened interest wasn’t merely local; the games attracted a broad audience, averaging 4 million viewers nationally, and drew celebrities across sports and entertainment.
Hunter’s season excelled with 92 catches for 1,152 yards and 14 touchdowns, alongside impactful defensive plays. Shedeur Sanders, recognized as the 2024 Big 12 Offensive Player of the Year, was also a standout, completing over 7,000 passing yards and 62 touchdowns over his college tenure.
Their departure leaves a notable impact, yet the program’s trajectory suggests further growth. The incoming talent, symbolized by Julian ‘JuJu’ Lewis, a top quarterback prospect, who joined practices ahead of the Alamo Bowl, highlights the program’s ongoing appeal and ability to attract future stars.
While their college journey ends, the mark left by Travis Hunter and Shedeur Sanders is indelible. They transformed Colorado, paving the way for future success and setting the stage for incoming talent to build upon their legacy.
Source: Local10
