Travis Hunter's excuse for potentially not winning the Heisman doesn't sit right with Colorado football writer

Travis Hunter claiming that an anti-Deion bias isn't sitting right with On SI's Jason Jones -- who believes the two-way Colorado football star would lose the Heisman Trophy to Boise State's Ashton Jeanty, or anyone else for that matter, based on the RB's season-long performance alone.

"Ultimately, if Hunter doesn’t win the Heisman, it may not be due to bias but rather because of other standout performances, such as that of Boise State’s Ashton Jeanty," Jones prefaced before saying, "Regardless of the outcome, Hunter’s talent is undeniable, and he continues to prove himself as one of college football’s brightest stars."

Jeanty is the early front-runner as the driving force behind a one-loss, likely Mountain West champion Broncos. He has the narrative right now. Boise State isn't infallible against high-powered offenses like Nevada, Oregon State, and UNLV, though. A few losses down the stretch and a well-timed Colorado run could flip the narrative on its head.

Hunter need not give up on winning the Heisman. But he's not doing himself service calling Jeanty out directly.

Travis Hunter attracting dissent after Ashton Jeanty comments

Not everyone appreciated Hunter saying Jeanty was merely "a running back that's good" on the "Outta Pocket with RGIII" podcast. Le'Veon Bell thought it was "kinda crazy" for Hunter to downplay Jeanty's achievements. Some have even insinuated Deion Sanders and Shedeur Sanders corrupted Hunter.

Hunter's sharp PR turn is not hard to notice. With it has come elite play in 2024 -- being on pace for a 1,000 yards receiving and a handful of interceptions -- but it's jarring nonetheless.