Travis Hunter Reflects on Exploring Options Before Joining Deion Sanders

Football star Travis Hunter recently opened up about his college transfer process following the 2022 season, revealing that he initially looked at other programs before ultimately deciding to follow head coach Deion Sanders to the University of Colorado. Speaking on the Chasing No. 1 podcast, Hunter described the transfer period as unusual because public expectations immediately pointed toward a reunion with Sanders.

Hunter initially shocked the college football world in December 2021 when, as the nation's top-ranked recruit, he flipped his commitment from Florida State to Jackson State University, where Sanders was then the head coach. This landmark decision made him the first five-star prospect to choose an HBCU or FCS program over a major FBS institution.

Following Jackson State's defeat in the Celebration Bowl in December 2022, Hunter entered the transfer portal around the same time Sanders was named the new head coach at Colorado. While widespread assumptions suggested he would immediately accompany Sanders to the FBS program, Hunter acknowledged that he took time to evaluate other possibilities.

Reflecting on that period, Hunter noted that exploring alternative choices felt somewhat uncomfortable because of his deep admiration for Sanders. "That transfer process was kind of weird," Hunter said on the podcast. He added that despite everyone anticipating his move to Colorado, he felt a sense of obligation to check out what else might be available.

Ultimately, the deciding factor came down to personal trust and the unique opportunity to play both offense and defense. Hunter emphasized that financial incentives played no role in his decision-making process. Instead, his primary concern was whether a coaching staff would grant him the freedom to play on both sides of the ball.

Sanders had previously accommodated this request at Jackson State, where Hunter impacted games as both a wide receiver and a cornerback. That flexibility continued seamlessly at Colorado, where Hunter delivered stellar performances that ultimately led to him winning the Heisman Trophy in 2024 as the first Buffaloes player to earn the honor since 1994.

Looking back on his career path, Hunter credits Sanders with fundamentally altering his trajectory and accepting him authentically. After his collegiate success, Hunter entered the 2025 NFL Draft, where the Jacksonville Jaguars traded up to select him second overall. He expressed gratitude for the guidance that allowed him to thrive at every level of the sport.