Travis Hunter stated “I by no means thought I might be on this place” throughout his speech after being awarded the 2024 Heisman Trophy. He wasn’t alone in that pondering.
Although Hunter was nearly definitely talking concerning the hardships he needed to overcome to be memorialized in faculty soccer historical past — “I’m grateful for my mom. She took me out of Florida, unhealthy space, I’m at all times getting in bother” — he may have simply as simply been speaking about outdoors expectations for his doubtless remaining season at Colorado.
Hunter’s odds to win the Heisman award opened at +3500, behind 17 different gamers at BetMGM. They lengthened to as a lot as +5000 earlier than the season began, which put him behind 21 gamers. Oddsmakers completely didn’t suppose Hunter could be on that Heisman stage earlier than the season began. His odds have been the third-longest of any eventual winner within the final 11 years, in response to SportsOddsHistory knowledge.
Longest preseason odds for Heisman winner (since 2014)
Lamar Jackson, 2016 (+10000)
DeVonta Smith, 2020 (+10000)
Travis Hunter, 2024 (+5000)
Joe Burrow, 2019 (+4000)
Kyler Murray, 2018 (+3000)
In fact, that lack of religion doubtless had little to do with a perception in his talents, as Hunter confirmed the world precisely what he was able to when wholesome at Jackson State in 2022 and his debut season at Colorado final 12 months. It in all probability had extra to do with a doubt in his potential to truly keep wholesome whereas enjoying full time on each offense and protection.
It turned out to be a silly lack of religion. Not solely did Hunter final all 12 video games for the Buffaloes, serving to raise them to a 9-3 file and their finest season in eight years, he gained the Fred Biletnikoff award for finest receiver within the nation and the Chuck Bednarik award as the very best defensive participant within the nation. He was actually the very best participant at his place on either side of the ball.
Travis Hunter’s speech after profitable the 2024 Heisman Trophy 👏 pic.twitter.com/7tPL7tw4Rt
— ESPN School Soccer (@ESPNCFB) December 15, 2024
In consequence, Hunter edged out the exceptional Ashton Jeanty — who didn’t even have preseason odds — to turn into simply the second defensive participant ever to win the Heisman and first since Charles Woodson in 1997. He did it with 4 interceptions on protection and 92 catches for 1,152 yards and 14 touchdowns on offense.
Whereas oddsmakers didn’t see this for Hunter, bettors completely did. Regardless of his lengthy preseason odds, Hunter was attracting essentially the most cash on Heisman bets at BetMGM and remained the guide’s largest legal responsibility by the whole season till betting closed. It paid a value for that lack of religion.
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