Following the Colorado Buffaloes’ disappointing Alamo Bowl defeat to the BYU Cougars, star dual-threat player Travis Hunter has been at the forefront of criticism and questions regarding what he can truly bring to the NFL level.
In a now trending fourth-quarter play during the game, Cougars running back LJ Martin ran for a nine-yard rushing touchdown with the game already out of reach. Fans were quick to note how Hunter was unable to tackle Martin and was pushed back into the end zone in the process, despite making first contact at around the 5-yard line. Hunter and the Buffaloes went on to lose the game by a score of 36-14.
Social Media Reaction to Travis Hunter’s Trending Play
One social media profile jokingly outlined how Hunter had made the tackle of the year on that play while attaching the video in the process.
“Heisman Trophy winner Travis Hunter made the tackle of the year on this play,” they detailed.
Heisman Trophy winner Travis Hunter made the tackle of the year on this play pic.twitter.com/rv9Q0msDAx
— Bussin' With The Boys (@BussinWTB) December 29, 2024
In response, one individual joked about the rumored record insurance policy taken for Shedeur Sanders and Hunter in that game.
“All that extra insurance for this showing on the field,” they said.
All that extra insurance for this showing on the field
— Christian (@BigHatBassin) December 30, 2024
Next, a different person took a more serious tone and expressed their belief that this was concerning for teams potentially thinking about drafting Hunter.
“Too small to play to play either way in the NFL, ATM,” they outlined.
Too small to play to play either way in the NFL, ATM.
— Aus (@catching45) December 29, 2024
Finally, another user shared a similar sentiment by explaining how they believe Hunter may experience difficulty in the NFL.
“Dudes gonna get exposed in the league,” they outlined.
Dudes gonna get exposed in the league
— Steelers/Pens/Golf (@blovesk2010) December 29, 2024
Hunter’s 2025 NFL Draft Projection
Despite the poor tackle attempt, Hunter is still one of the top prospects in next year’s NFL Draft and is the recent winner of the Heisman Trophy. In Pro Football Network’s recent 2025 NFL Mock Draft, Hunter was selected No. 3 overall by the Jacksonville Jaguars.
“There’s not much more to say about Travis Hunter at this point. The Colorado weapon has arguably the greatest ball skills of this generation as a wide receiver.
“That makes him the unquestioned top dog in that respect at cornerback. He’s darty and fast and, in 2024, played with more physicality than in the past.
“Hunter isn’t perfect as a man coverage defender. He could use a bit more mass and physicality to his frame. However, his coverage intelligence is unmatched. Only Pat Surtain II carries any argument for being an equal in that department.
“Defensively, Hunter’s mental process as a receiver allows him to get into the head of opposing WRs. As a receiver, he’s elevated his game as a route runner.
“While Hunter’s true calling card would be his ability to attack the football, the acrobatic catches aren’t what he’s best at, either. His most remarkable trait is his ability to feel out his move post-catch while maintaining full attention on the incoming football. If he had a sturdier frame, he’d be one of the most dangerous NFL offensive weapons after the catch.”
With the New England Patriots now positioned to potentially pick No. 1 overall in 2025, it’s possible that Hunter is the first player to hear his name called on draft night.
