Travis Hunter Questions Why Shedeur Sanders Isn't in Heisman Race amid NFL Draft Buzz

The Heisman Trophy favorites, at this point, are overwhelmingly Colorado two-way star Travis Hunter and Boise State running back Ashton Jeanty, while Miami quarterback Cam Ward and Oregon quarterback Dillon Gabriel are considered long shots.

All make sense as potential finalists, but Hunter can't understand why Shedeur Sanders—widely believed to be one of the top quarterbacks in the 2025 NFL draft, if not the top option—isn't getting more love as a potential Heisman winner.

"How can you be the top quarterback pick in the NFL draft, and you're not even considered to be in the Heisman race?" Hunter questioned during Wednesday's episode of The Travis Hunter Show (13:20 mark). "How does that even work?"

Let's make the case.

Hunter is fantastic on both sides of the ball as a cornerback and receiver, evoking memories of former winner Charles Woodson. What he's done in 2024 is unique, and the sort of story that makes him an easy favorite for the award.

Jeanty has been ridiculous, with an absurd 2,288 rushing yards and 29 overall touchdowns, video game numbers that will always catch the eyes of voters.

As for the quarterbacks, Gabriel gets a bump for leading the top overall team in the nation, and the three players in question have offered a similar overall impact:

• Sanders: 3,926 yards, 35 touchdowns, eight interceptions, 74.2 completion percentage, four rushing touchdowns, 9-3 record for Colorado.
• Ward: 4,123 yards, 36 touchdowns, seven interceptions, 67.4 completion percentage, 196 rushing yards, four rushing scores, 10-2 record for Miami. 
• Gabriel: 3,275 yards, 24 touchdowns, six interceptions, 73.5 completion percentage, 175 rushing yards, seven rushing scores, 12-0 record for Oregon.

It's possible that Sanders is getting less love simply because his teammate, Hunter, is already considered the favorite for the award. Or perhaps it's that Ward and Gabriel have led their teams to better records and Gabriel, in particular, has Oregon undefeated in arguably the toughest conference in the sport.

Either way, Hunter doesn't like it. Maybe if he wins the Heisman he'll share it with Sanders.