Travis Hunter has opened up about his transfer decision to Colorado, revealing that he briefly explored other opportunities before ultimately reuniting with Deion Sanders. The former Jackson State and Colorado star admitted that the decision was not as straightforward as many people assumed because of his strong personal connection with Sanders.
Hunter made the revelation during an appearance on the Chasing No. 1 podcast on October 28, explaining that he considered his options after entering the transfer portal in December 2022. Although many expected him to follow Sanders to Colorado, Hunter said he did some exploring before making his final decision.
Travis Hunter Explains His Transfer Process
Hunter described his transfer experience as unusual because he had already developed a close relationship with Sanders.
“That transfer process was kind of weird,” Hunter explained on the podcast.
He admitted that exploring other programs felt somewhat uncomfortable because of the respect he had for Coach Prime.
“At the same time, I had too much respect for Coach Prime, so even going out there and exploring my options just a little bit, I felt like it was kind of disrespectful,” Hunter said.
Despite widespread expectations that he would join Sanders in Boulder, Hunter revealed that he wanted to understand what other opportunities were available before making his decision.
Ultimately, his relationship with Sanders played a significant role in bringing him to Colorado.
Why Travis Hunter Originally Chose Deion Sanders Over Florida State
Hunter’s connection with Sanders started before their move to Colorado.
Hunter was one of the most highly rated prospects in the 2022 recruiting class and had initially committed to Florida State. However, he made a stunning decision on National Signing Day in December 2021 by flipping his commitment to Jackson State.
At the time, Sanders was leading the Tigers, and his recruiting efforts convinced Hunter to choose the HBCU program over a traditional major college football destination.
Hunter’s decision was historic, as he became the first five-star recruit to choose an HBCU or FCS program over an FBS school.
Looking back, Hunter credited Sanders with changing his perspective and influencing the direction of his career.
“He came and got me to not go to Florida State and changed my mindset and changed the picture of everything,” Hunter said.
He also described Sanders as someone who genuinely changed his life.
Playing Both Offense and Defense Was Hunter’s Biggest Priority
One of the most important details from Hunter’s admission was his explanation of what he wanted from his next program.
Rather than focusing on financial offers, he wanted to know whether a team would allow him to continue playing both wide receiver and cornerback.
“I didn’t care about the money; I wanted to know if I could play both sides of the ball,” Hunter explained.
That question was central to his transfer decision. Hunter had established himself as a unique two-way player at Jackson State, and he wanted a program that would continue giving him opportunities on both sides of the football.
Sanders understood what Hunter wanted and allowed him to develop his abilities as both an offensive and defensive weapon.
At Jackson State, Hunter recorded 18 receptions for 188 yards and four touchdowns on offense. Defensively, he registered 20 tackles, two interceptions and a touchdown.
Travis Hunter Made an Immediate Impact at Colorado
After Sanders accepted the head coaching position at Colorado in December 2022, Hunter entered the transfer portal and eventually followed him to Boulder.
Their partnership immediately attracted national attention, particularly because Hunter was expected to become one of the most versatile players in college football.
His impact was evident during Colorado’s 2023 season opener against TCU. The Buffaloes secured a memorable 45-42 victory, with Hunter playing more than 110 snaps.
He finished the game with 11 receptions for 119 receiving yards while also contributing defensively with an interception and three tackles.
Hunter continued to establish himself as one of college football’s biggest stars during the 2024 season.
His outstanding performances on offense and defense earned him the Heisman Trophy, making him the first Colorado player to win the award since Rashaan Salaam in 1994.
He also collected several major individual honors, further demonstrating the value of Sanders’ decision to let him play both positions.
Deion Sanders’ Role in Travis Hunter’s Development
Hunter has repeatedly expressed appreciation for Sanders and the opportunities he received under his leadership.
The Colorado coach did not force Hunter to concentrate exclusively on one position. Instead, Sanders allowed him to showcase his abilities as a wide receiver and cornerback.
Hunter previously described playing for Sanders as a blessing, crediting the coach with helping him reach the highest level of college football.
That trust became an important part of their relationship and helps explain why Hunter ultimately chose Colorado after briefly considering other possibilities.
For Hunter, the decision was about more than finding another football program. It was about continuing to work with a coach who understood his ambitions and believed in his unusual two-way potential.
Travis Hunter’s Journey From Colorado to the NFL
Hunter’s college career eventually led him to the 2025 NFL Draft.
The Jacksonville Jaguars made a major move to acquire him, trading up from the fifth overall selection to the second pick to secure his services.
His selection reflected the extraordinary value of his versatility and the reputation he had built at Colorado.
Although his professional career represents a new chapter, his college journey remains closely connected to Sanders’ influence.
What Travis Hunter’s Admission Reveals About His Colorado Decision
Hunter’s latest comments provide a more detailed look at a transfer decision that many people previously considered inevitable.
While the connection between Hunter and Sanders made Colorado an obvious destination, Hunter wanted to explore his options and make sure the next step would support his ambitions.
His biggest priority was continuing to play both offense and defense, not simply following the most attractive financial offer.
In the end, Sanders provided the opportunity Hunter wanted, and the partnership helped produce one of the most memorable individual careers in recent college football history.
Hunter’s admission shows that even a seemingly predictable transfer decision involved careful consideration, personal loyalty and a clear vision for his football future.
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