Mel Kiper: Travis Hunter No. 1 on 2025 NFL Draft Big Board and ‘Not Going Anywhere’
Zach BacharContributor ISeptember 30, 2024
Julio Aguilar/Getty Images
ESPN NFL draft expert Mel Kiper Jr. revealed that Colorado Buffaloes two-way standout Travis Hunter is on top of his big board for the 2025 NFL draft.
“He has been No. 1 on my Big Board all season, and he’s not going anywhere,” Kiper wrote. “The hand-eye coordination, ball skills and quickness are all outstanding. And the way he thinks about the game continues to catch my attention. This is a guy who has played essentially the entire game every week, yet he’s still so plugged in that he’s out there counting how many guys are on the field on punt plays.”
“Simply put, Hunter is doing things we rarely, if ever, see in college football; he has six TD catches and two interceptions,” he added.
The 21-year-old has excelled on both sides of the ball once again this season, as his 46 catches through five games are the most among all Big 12 players. Hunter has also recorded 561 yards and six touchdowns, averaging 112.2 yards per game.
He’s made an impact at cornerback as well, racking up 16 tackles and two interceptions to go along with a forced fumble.
Bleacher Report @BleacherReportTRAVIS HUNTER HIT THE HEISMAN POSE AFTER THIS ABSURD INT 😱🏆
(via @CFBONFOX)
pic.twitter.com/mjdq6ScruC
The heavy workload hasn’t bothered Hunter, as he missed just two total offensive and defensive snaps throughout the entirety of Colorado’s season-opening win over North Dakota State.
SportsCenter @SportsCenterTravis Hunter only missed TWO snaps the entire game on offense and defense 🤯
Ridiculous stamina 😲
(via @PFF) pic.twitter.com/L9OL1xQg3D
If he’s able to maintain his individual production while helping the Buffaloes improve even further upon their 4-1 start to the year, the buzz surrounding him as a potential top draft choice should continue to increase.
