IRVING, Texas — In a recent announcement, Colorado’s standout two-way player, Travis Hunter, has been awarded the title of Big 12 Defensive Player of the Year, while Buffaloes quarterback Shedeur Sanders was honored as the league’s Top Offensive Player in a voting process involving the coaches of the conference.
Kenny Dillingham, the head coach for Arizona State and an alumnus of the university, has been recognized as Coach of the Year following a commendable season in which the Sun Devils finished with a 10-2 record. This season marked Arizona State’s first in the Big 12, and they are set to compete in the championship game against Iowa State on Saturday. Their remarkable performance includes setting a school record for the most wins in a single season, an increase of seven victories compared to the previous year.
Hunter, who is also a leading candidate for the Heisman Trophy, has made history in the Big 12 as the first player to achieve both an interception and an offensive touchdown in multiple games. As a defensive back, Hunter has recorded four interceptions along with 11 pass breakups. Meanwhile, as a receiver, he leads the Big 12 with 92 receptions and 14 touchdowns, amassing 1,152 receiving yards and ranking third in the league with an impressive average of 96.0 yards per game.
On the offensive front, Sanders stands out as the leading passer in the Big 12, averaging 327.2 yards per game. He has demonstrated significant accuracy and skill by completing 337 passes out of 454 attempts, resulting in a remarkable completion rate of 74.2%. Sanders has thrown for a total of 3,926 yards, breaking the school record with 35 touchdown passes for the Buffaloes.
Additionally, Arizona State’s sophomore receiver, Jordyn Tyson, despite an unspecified injury that will prevent him from participating in the Big 12 championship game, has been recognized as the Offensive Newcomer of the Year. Meanwhile, Colorado’s BJ Green II, a defensive end with an impressive 7.5 sacks, has earned the title of Top Defensive Newcomer.
