History of Travis Hunter in Timeline

By Popular Timelines Editorial Team · Updated: July 15, 2026

Travis Hunter is a standout American football player widely regarded as one of the most versatile talents in college sports. Playing for the Colorado Buffaloes under coach Deion Sanders, Hunter is unique for his elite performance as a two-way star, excelling simultaneously as both a wide receiver and a cornerback. Originally the top-ranked recruit in the nation, he initially made history by committing to Jackson State before following Sanders to Colorado. Hunter’s exceptional athleticism, ball skills, and high-level football IQ have made him a focal point of college football media coverage. He is widely considered a premier prospect for the NFL Draft, with his ability to influence the game on both sides of the ball drawing frequent comparisons to legends like Charles Woodson. His performance has made him a leading candidate for the Heisman Trophy, solidifying his status as a transformative figure in modern collegiate athletics.

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Full Timeline

1994: Rashaan Salaam's Heisman Win

In 1994, Rashaan Salaam became the first player in the history of the Colorado Buffaloes program to be awarded the Heisman Trophy.

1997: Charles Woodson's Heisman Win

In 1997, Charles Woodson made history by becoming the second defensive player from the two-platoon system era to win the Heisman Trophy.

May 18, 2003: Birth of Travis Hunter Jr.

Travis Hunter Jr. was born on May 18, 2003, marking the beginning of the life of the future American professional football player.

Others born on this day/year

2007: Offensive Rookie of the Year Award Win

In 2007, Travis Hunter Sr. achieved a significant milestone in his semipro football career by winning the Offensive Rookie of the Year award while competing in the Southern States Football League.

March 3, 2020: Commitment to Florida State

On March 3, 2020, Travis Hunter officially committed to play football for the Florida State Seminoles after receiving a scholarship offer and visiting the campus.

December 15, 2021: Commitment Flip to Jackson State

On December 15, 2021, Travis Hunter made headlines by flipping his commitment from Florida State to Jackson State to play under head coach Deion Sanders, becoming the first five-star recruit to sign with an HBCU or FCS institution.

2022: Travis Hunter's Freshman Collegiate Season

During his 2022 freshman season, Travis Hunter showcased his versatility as a two-way player. He overcame an early-season injury to record 19 tackles, eight pass breakups, two interceptions, one fumble recovery, and one defensive touchdown on defense, while contributing 18 receptions for 188 yards and four touchdowns on offense across seven games, including a strong performance in the 2022 Celebration Bowl.

2022: 2022 Polynesian Bowl MVP Performance

In 2022, Travis Hunter participated in the Polynesian Bowl, where his standout performance of five receptions for 54 yards earned him the title of offensive MVP.

2023: Travis Hunter's Breakout 2023 Season at Colorado

During the 2023 season, Travis Hunter transferred to the University of Colorado Boulder, where he demonstrated remarkable versatility by playing over 1,000 total snaps on both offense and defense. Throughout the year, he achieved notable individual performances, such as his 11-catch FBS debut against TCU and a high-performing return from injury against Stanford. By the end of the 2023 season, he recorded 57 receptions for 721 yards and five touchdowns, along with three interceptions and 30 tackles, ultimately earning Consensus All-American honors and the Paul Hornung Award.

2024: 2024 College Football Season Milestones

During the 2024 season, Travis Hunter achieved significant milestones, including a three-touchdown performance against North Dakota State, a game-winning forced fumble against Baylor, and becoming the second Colorado Buffaloes player to win the Heisman Trophy in 2024. He also made history by winning both the Chuck Bednarik Award and the Fred Biletnikoff Award in the same year.

2024: Heisman Trophy Victory

In 2024, while playing for the Colorado Buffaloes, Travis Hunter achieved a major career milestone by winning the Heisman Trophy.

April 2025: Retirement of No. 12 Jersey

In April 2025, the University of Colorado honored Travis Hunter by officially retiring his No. 12 jersey during the team's annual spring game.

May 2025: Marriage to Leanna Lenee

In May 2025, Travis Hunter officially married Leanna Lenee, marking a significant personal milestone in their relationship.

August 27, 2025: Birth of a Son

On August 27, 2025, Travis Hunter and his wife Leanna Lenee celebrated the birth of their first son together.

October 2025: Baptism in Jacksonville

In October 2025, Travis Hunter, who is a practicing Christian, underwent the act of baptism at a church located in Jacksonville, Florida.

2025: NFL Draft Selection

During the 2025 NFL draft, Travis Hunter was selected second overall by the Jacksonville Jaguars to begin his professional career in the National Football League.