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The allure of the NFL Draft makes it really hard for certain college football players to make a decision. Stay in school, continue to hone your skills and enter after you've graduated? Or try to maximize your profits at an earlier age, assuming you're projected to be a high draft pick. For some it's easier than others, particularly when it has to do with a generational type of talent like Travis Hunter.
Following a season in which he ended up winning the Heisman Trophy, Hunter essentially had no choice but to enter the 2025 NFL Draft, as he was slated to be a top two selection. Hunter had one year of college football eligibility left, but he forewent his senior year and ended up with the Jacksonville Jaguars. Hunter's decision was made easier due to his academics. He was on track to graduate early, and he did his grad walk on Thursday. The Colorado Buffaloes social media shared a video of Hunter and teammates after the commencement ceremony: "GOT THAT DEGREE!"
Travis Hunter graduates two weeks after 2025 NFL Draft
It's impressive that Hunter was able to graduate in just three academic years. He began college at Jackson State, where he spent one year. He then spent the next two at Colorado. Many athletes who declare for the draft early end up graduating later in their careers, but Hunter wasted no time.
Colorado head coach Deion Sanders made it a point to get it through his players' heads that academics were just as important as athletics, and Hunter clearly took that advice to heart. It goes to show the type of person Hunter is, as he valued getting a degree just as much as his success on the football field.
Hunter is gearing up for his rookie season with the Jaguars. Jaguars GM James Gladstone has already sung his praises, and Hunter wants to make sure the franchise doesn't regret trading up to get him.