Heisman Trophy winner Travis Hunter from Colorado has been recognized as a first-team All-America selection in multiple categories, including cornerback and all-purpose player, while also earning a spot on the second team for his performance as a receiver, as announced on Monday. Hunter, along with Notre Dame safety Xavier Watts, continues to make waves as repeat first-team selections, while Boise State’s Ashton Jeanty secured unanimous recognition following an outstanding season that placed him among the top in college football rushing records.
The selection for the All-America team included representation from 24 different colleges, as determined by a panel of AP Top 25 voters. Texas and Miami each contributed two players to the first team. Hunter, who had previously been honored as the AP player of the year, is noted for his exceptional two-way capabilities in a sport that has seen fewer players thrive in dual roles since the 1940s. His accolades include first-team selections as both a cornerback and an all-purpose player, along with a second-team spot as a receiver.
The junior athlete hailing from Suwanee, Georgia, has compiled an impressive total of 1,443 snaps across offense, defense, and special teams throughout the 12 games of the season, as per Pro Football Focus. His notable endurance is reflected in his participation of over 120 snaps in 10 games, with a peak of 170 snaps against Texas Tech on November 9. However, his participation in two games was limited due to injuries. Hunter declared his intention to enter the 2025 NFL draft last month but confirmed that he would participate in Colorado’s upcoming game against BYU in the Alamo Bowl on December 28.
During the regular season, Hunter distinguished himself as a receiver with 92 catches, amassing 1,152 yards and 14 touchdowns, ranking him among the national leaders in various receiving categories. His significant contribution as a receiver is highlighted by his 21 receptions of more than 20 yards, leading all players in this statistic. Defensively, he recorded 31 tackles, along with 11 pass breakups and four interceptions. A pivotal moment came during an overtime victory against Baylor, where his tackle caused a fumble on a crucial play.
Notre Dame’s Xavier Watts, another standout player, has recorded five interceptions, a figure that ranks among the highest for safeties in the nation. He has also played a crucial role in Notre Dame’s success by contributing to six of the team’s nation-leading 28 takeaways. In a remarkable feat, Watts became the first Notre Dame player to return an interception for a full 100 yards against Southern California, with his total of 12 career interceptions marking a notable record for the program since 1996.
Furthermore, Boise State’s Ashton Jeanty gained national attention with a stunning rushing total of 2,497 yards, ranking him fourth in Football Bowl Subdivision history. Throughout the season, Jeanty eclipsed the 200-yard mark in six games and finished tied for the national lead with 29 rushing touchdowns.
In terms of representation by conference on the first-team All-America list, the SEC led with six selections, followed closely by the ACC and Big Ten with five each, while the Big 12 had four representatives. Other conferences, including the MAC, Mountain West, Sun Belt, and Independents, all contributed to the selection process.
The detailed breakdown of the All-America teams included a range of talented players across various positions. Notably, Hunter’s versatility was acknowledged as he appeared in multiple categories, solidifying his status as one of the most impactful players of the season. With a remarkable season behind him, Hunter and his fellow honorees continue to set the stage for their respective futures in the sport, expected to make significant contributions at the collegiate and professional levels.