Travis Hunter has already cemented himself as the most electrifying player in Colorado Buffaloes history. Sorry, "Wizzer" White.
As a two-way superstar, a culture changer, and one of the key figures of the Coach Prime era, his impact on Boulder is undeniable. But should his No. 12 jersey be retired at Colorado?
If the Buffs wanted to make a statement, they should retire it in the 2025 season opener vs Georgia Tech. Why wait? How often does a player like Travis Hunter come through Boulder?
We’re talking about a guy who redefined what’s possible in college football. Playing both offense and defense at an elite level that we have never seen before. And now, after winning the 2024 Heisman Trophy—exactly 30 years after Rashaan Salaam—Hunter has solidified himself among the all-time greats.
The one counterpoint to retiring Hunter’s number immediately is longevity. The Buffs have had legendary players with multi-year careers who aren’t even in the conversation for a retired jersey.
Kordell Stewart and Michael Westbrook are just a few CU greats whose numbers remain in circulation. But Hunter’s star power and cultural significance might outweigh the traditional criteria—and CU does not retire numbers often.
Plus, if there’s one thing we know about Travis Hunter, it’s that he respects the game’s legends. In a recent Glory Colorado article, Hunter made it clear that if he were drafted by the New England Patriots, he wouldn’t dare wear Tom Brady’s No. 12.
"“I respect Tom Brady too much to try to get No. 12.”"h/t MassLive
That same logic applies here. Hunter understands legacy, and if his number were to be retired at CU, it would be because he earned it—not just because of hype.
Colorado has only retired four numbers in its storied history:
- Byron “Whizzer” White (#24) – A 1937 All-American, Rhodes Scholar, and future Supreme Court Justice, White was one of CU’s first true stars, setting national records in rushing and scoring.
- Joe Romig (#67) – A two-time All-American, dominant linebacker, and Rhodes Scholar, Romig was a force on both sides of the ball and one of the smartest players in CU history.
- Bobby Anderson (#11) – A record-setting quarterback-turned-tailback who led CU to a Liberty Bowl victory over Alabama in 1969. A Boulder High grad and Denver Broncos first-round pick, Anderson left a lasting mark on the program.
- Rashaan Salaam (#19) – The only Heisman winner in CU history until Hunter, Salaam’s 2,055-yard season in 1994 remains one of the greatest in college football history. Midnight Mel Tucker temporarily (and disrespectfully) un-retired White, Romig, and Anderson's numbers in 2019.
Retiring Hunter’s number would place him in elite company, and given his impact on the program, it might be justified sooner rather than later.
While it might be too soon to pull No. 12 from circulation, there’s no doubt Hunter’s name will be immortalized at Folsom Field sooner rather than later. Whether it’s a Ring of Fame induction, a statue, or a jersey retirement, Travis Hunter’s impact on Colorado football is too big to ignore. Winning the Heisman in 2024 only adds to his case.
For now, let’s sit back, enjoy the show, and start the campaign—because if anyone deserves to have their number retired at CU, it just might be Travis Hunter.