Boise State head coach Spencer Danielson believes Ashton Jeanty, and not Travis Hunter, is the best player in the country because his team will be playing during college football's Championship Week in the Mountain West Championship against UNLV. Hunter's CU Buffs didn't make the Big 12 Championship after going 9-3 in 2024.
“Ashton Jeanty is the best football player in the country,” Danielson said during a December 2 press conference (h/t On SI). “And for me, if you’re one of the best players in the country, you play in a championship game.”
As one would imagine, Danielson's opinion on Hunter's Heisman credentials is much different than Deion Sanders'. Coach Prime believes Hunter has the Heisman Trophy on lock after his strong play against Oklahoma State and throughout the season.
“Travis clinched the Heisman today with his performance,” Sanders said on November 29. “He’s the best player in college football. You can find ways to hate, criticize and condemn him and you won’t come out of that looking professional. Travis Hunter proved today, and he’s proved every week, that he is the best player in college football.”
Both coaches are expected to say what they did. But notice the difference in their message.
Sanders only mentioned Hunter's greatness. Coach Prime has eyes on no other players. Danielson couldn't make the case for Jeanty without throwing Hunter's candidacy under the bus for a reason that's not within his control.
That's just the nature of going through the media to make an award case. Earlier in the season, it was Hunter undermining what Jeanty was doing.