Travis Hunter has been nothing short of a revelation this college football season. The Colorado Buffaloes’ two-way standout was named Sports Illustrated’s Breakout Star of the Year, and it's hard to argue that anyone else has made a bigger impact in 2024.
Hunter’s journey from the top-ranked recruit for Jackson State to a star at both wide receiver and cornerback has been nothing short of remarkable. The Sports Illustrated award is well-deserved.
Hunter’s performances this season have been nothing short of “superhuman,” as the magazine put it, and it's not just about the highlight-reel plays. Hunter consistently played nearly 120 snaps per game, yet, he did so without a hint of fatigue, a testament to his physical conditioning and mental toughness.
Sports Illustrated called his performances “superhuman,” and that’s an apt description. He was the only FBS player to log over 150 snaps on both sides of the ball.
“I feel I can go play another game the next day,” Hunter said.
His career and the attention on him changed in the September 38-31 win over Baylor, where he saved a victory with that shocking goal-line forced fumble on Dominic Richardson in overtime.
For all of these reasons, it’s impossible to ignore the fact that Travis Hunter could—and perhaps should — be the No. 1 pick in the 2025 NFL Draft. He’s rewriting the rules of what it means to be a two-way player, and his raw talent makes him the most compelling prospect in recent memory.
For a franchise like the Tennessee Titans, who also just fired General Manager Ran Carthon today, are in need of both immediate playmaking and future leadership. Hunter is the obvious choice.
With everyone wanting to talk about the quarterbacks possibly going to Tennessee— his teammate Shadeur and Cam Ward— it's obvious Hunter is the best player and prospect. The Titans' current roster would massively benefit from Hunter’s dynamic abilities at both wide receiver and cornerback.
With wide receiver Nick Westbrook-Ikhine set to become an unrestricted free agent, Hunter would step in as an immediate playmaker alongside Calvin Ridley in the receiving corps. Not only that, but Hunter’s ability to contribute in the secondary would give the Titans the flexibility to bolster their defense as well.
While addressing the offensive line for Tennessee should be a priority, particularly at right tackle, Hunter’s versatility and once-in-a-lifetime type prospect, makes it surprising that anyone is even talking about Tennessee taking someone else.
Passing on a generational talent like Hunter would be a mistake the Titans can’t afford to make. This ain't no Reggie Bush— Mario Williams situation. As former running back Chris Johnson told TMZ, "We would be absolute fools if we pass up on Travis."
The Titans need to focus on a player who embodies everything the franchise and city stand for. Travis Hunter is that player.
He’s a perfect fit for the Nashville culture—driven, hardworking, ready to take on any challenge. His southern ties coming from Suwanee, Georgia, and playing at Jackson State makes this pairing even more perfect.
With a shiny new stadium on the horizon, it’s time for the Titans to crown a new face of the franchise. And Hunter is exactly the star Nashville deserves. He’ll not only elevate the Titans, but he’ll bring a new energy to Music City.
Heck, maybe he’ll even help Shadeur's music career and give Will Levis a little more time to develop while perfecting that infamous mayonnaise and coffee routine.