Colorado's Hunter: Deion 'changed my life forever'

As Travis Hunter's collegiate career is approaching an end, the Heisman Trophy nominee is taking the time to express his gratitude for Deion Sanders' mentorship.

"He's more than just a coach, he's a father," Hunter said on the "Pivot Podcast" on Tuesday. "It gets you kinda emotional because it changed my life forever. I texted him a couple games ago, like, 'Coach, you changed my life forever.'"

Hunter initially joined Sanders at Jackson State as a five-star prospect after being recruited by the then-Tigers head coach. He's the highest-ranked prospect ever to go to a Football Championship Subdivision school.

Hunter then exploded on the scene after following Sanders to Colorado in his sophomore year. He's totaled 1,873 receiving yards, 20 touchdowns, and seven interceptions across two years so far, and he ranks sixth in the nation in receiving yards and 17th in interceptions this season.

As a result, Hunter was nominated for the 2024 Heisman Trophy on Monday. He's also expected to declare for the 2025 NFL Draft, where he's projected to be an early first-rounder.

Hunter won the 2024 Paul Hornung Award on Wednesday for the second consecutive year. The honor is given to the individual viewed as the most versatile in college football, and Hunter is its first-ever repeat winner.

"I don't know where I would be (without Sanders)," Hunter said. "I try to figure that out, and I try not to think too much on it because ... we got one more game, and it's gonna be our last together."

Hunter and Sanders' final chapter together in collegiate football will take place Dec. 28 at the Valero Alamo Bowl against BYU. The Heisman Trophy winner will be announced Saturday.