This time of year College Football playoffs are slowly wrapping up and coming to an end, but before it ends one more special ceremony takes place annually to grant the most prestigious award in college football.
The Heisman Trophy is presented to only one player annually which is considered to be the most valuable football player in college football in terms of skill. The winners of the Heisman Trophy epitomize a college athlete that performs to great ability but also shows perseverance, hard work and diligence. So receiving this award is no small feat. Only 88 college football players have received the award to date.
The tradition of the Heisman Trophy has been going since 1935 and was created by Downtown Athletic Club in order to recognize the college football athlete who has displayed outstanding performance. But ever since 2003 an official organization has been made for the annual award and ceremony, The Heisman Trophy Trust, which now is in charge giving out the award.
The selection process includes a vote being taken from fans, sports journalists and even previous Heisman winners, who have the right to vote. Even though traditionally the award goes to only running backs and quarterbacks there has been a few outliers throughout the years. Only four wide receivers and two tight ends have ever received the Heisman. That statistic also includes this year’s winner, who has solidified himself as one of the sports all times best, Travis Hunter.
Travis Hunter is a very unique player as he plays both sides of the ball, wide receiver and cornerback. This is very uncommon for most football players, especially considering the high level he plays at. So this in itself is a great achievement to be playing both sides of the ball at the collegiate level. But his versatility and dominance in both positions on the field were unmatched by any other player in college football. Over the course of the season he has racked up unfathomable stats : over 1200 receiving yards, 15 touchdowns and 6 interceptions. These stats don’t tell the story of a phenomenal athlete but also someone who epitomizes the sheer determination and relentless work ethic of Travis Hunter. Fans and analysts marveled at his endurance, often playing over 100 snaps per game.
His astounding performance this season has gained many eyes from NFL teams and scouts. Fans are eager to see him at the next level but before moving on one thing is certain, he has permanently stamped his mark of dominance over the college football world and deservedly received the 2024 Heisman Trophy.