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Travis Hunter Jr., now the 2024 Heisman Trophy winner, made history not only as one of the best two-way players in modern college football but also as a trailblazer who reshaped the narrative around recruiting. His decision to attend Jackson State instead of powerhouse programs like Alabama or Florida State sent shockwaves through the sport and it all started with a text from Shedeur Sanders.
Hunter, the No. 1 overall recruit in the 2022 class, had his pick of elite schools but chose to follow Deion Sanders to an HBCU, turning down lucrative NIL offers in the process. During his Heisman acceptance speech on Saturday night, Hunter got emotional while thanking both Deion and Shedeur Sanders for their impact on his life and career.
The message that started it all
On November 12, 2020, Shedeur Sanders reached out to Travis Hunter with a simple but powerful message:
- Shedeur: "Gone ahead a flip!"
- Travis: "I just might big bro."
- Shedeur: "I need ya to come play w me do something that hasn't been done before."
- Travis: "Ong I need to get on the map and I'll love to play for ur father and u bro cold asf and nobody can take that from u."
That exchange sparked a decision that changed Hunter's career trajectory. By committing to Jackson State, Hunter became the highest-rated recruit ever to sign with an HBCU or FCS program. It also opened the door for his eventual move to Colorado, where he reunited with Coach Prime and Shedeur, continuing his rise to stardom.
A night to
During his Heisman acceptance speech, Hunter reflected on the sacrifices and that led to his success, mentioning both his family and his now-iconic choice to prioritize impact over traditional paths. After the ceremony, the celebration continued with an epic party, where Hunter was seen dancing alongside his teammates in videos shared by Well Off Media.
Hunter's emotional journey, capped by his Heisman victory, is a testament to the power of mentorship, bold decisions, and a willingness to break barriers. As he looks ahead to what's next, one thing is certain: his story has forever changed the landscape of college football.