Emmy-winning reporter challenges Colorado's Travis Hunter to walk the talk against Ashton Jeanty

Colorado's Travis Hunter and Boise State's Ashton Jeanty have been redefining the Heisman Trophy odds this season. The famous trophy has favored quarterbacks historically, but Hunter and Jeanty don’t play in that position.

Hunter is a two-way player who plays cornerback and wide receiver for Deion Sanders' Buffs, while Jeanty has been providing his services to the Broncos as a running back.

With the 2024 Heisman race heating up, a recent episode of “Outta Pocket” with Robert Griffin III saw Hunter state his case. He claimed that while Jeanty is impressive, his two-way performance is unmatched in college football.

"I mean y’all see Ashton Jeanty, it’s not like we haven’t seen a running back that’s good," Hunter said. "We haven’t seen a player that plays both ways and I’m gonna keep saying that."

However, Emmy-winning sports director at KTVB, Jay Tust, wasn’t having it. In a tweet on Wednesday, Tust challenged Hunter, writing:

"Travis Hunter is ELITE. No question. But also, if Ashton is so common, I’d love to see Travis attempt to tackle Ashton Jeanty."

Hunter has racked up 49 receptions for 587 yards and six touchdowns as a WR, and 16 tackles, two interceptions and a forced fumble as a CB. Meanwhile, Jeanty is on pace to shatter Barry Sanders’ single-season rushing record, with 1,248 yards and 17 touchdowns so far.

Hunter, unbothered by the criticism, pointed out that Jeanty gets double the offensive touches and suggested he would dominate with similar opportunities.

Also read: Former NFL RB beats Travis Hunter at his own game while defending Ashton Jeanty's Heisman hopes

Pat McAfee has a straight-forward opinion on the Ashton Jeanty vs. Travis Hunter debate

ESPN’s “College GameDay” host Pat McAfee has weighed in on the heated Heisman race between Jeanty and Hunter. Discussing the topic on “The Pat McAfee Show,” the former NFL punter gave his take on the battle.

Acknowledging that Jeanty’s stats are out of the world, McAfee decided to be practical in his opinions, as he believes that winning the Heisman as a running back is no easy feat in today’s QB-driven world.

He pointed out that even if Jeanty surpasses 2,000 rushing yards, it might not guarantee the Heisman.

"Melvin Gordon rushed for over 2,600 yards [2014-15] and didn’t win," he reminded his viewers.

Meanwhile, McAfee praised Travis Hunter’s versatility, saying:

"If Hunter keeps playing 150 snaps a game and leads Colorado to more wins, he could pull off something truly special."

The debate continues, but McAfee’s take sets a realistic view of both players' Heisman chances.

Also read: College football fans stand divided over Ashton Jeanty’s 1000-yard achievement