What does it take to win the Heisman when the odds are stacked against you? For Travis Hunter and Shedeur Sanders, the answer might be more than just stellar performances on the field. It could come down to whether Deion Sanders’ unapologetic swagger, coaching style, and larger-than-life persona overshadow their achievements.

NFL legends Shannon Sharpe (aka “Uncle Shay”) and Chad Johnson (aka “Ochocinco”) are sounding the alarm, cautioning Heisman voters against letting personal vendettas against Coach Prime influence their decisions. During their live **“Nightcap” podcast on November 17th**, Ochocinco passionately called out voters, urging them to remain unbiased:

*”I don’t want voters to allow their hatred or dislike for Prime and his coaching style to affect the players who deserve the Heisman—especially No. 12,”* he said, voicing concern over potential bias.

The Case for Travis Hunter

Travis Hunter has been nothing short of electrifying this season, dominating on both sides of the ball in a way that’s rarely seen in college football. In Week 12, during the Colorado Buffaloes’ emphatic 49-24 victory over the Utah Utes, Hunter delivered a standout performance:

– Offense: 5 catches for 55 yards, including a touchdown.
– Defense: 3 tackles and an interception.

One jaw-dropping moment came in the second quarter with 5:35 remaining. Facing a critical 4th-and-8, Shedeur Sanders launched a pass into traffic, and Hunter soared through multiple defenders to make a spectacular grab. Plays like this are why Hunter is firmly in the Heisman conversation.

Despite his incredible talent, there’s growing concern that the persona of his coach, Deion Sanders, might unfairly influence voters. Shannon Sharpe and Chad Johnson insist that any bias against Coach Prime should be left at the door:

“Let’s not be egregious because of a personal vendetta against a head coach who’s done a phenomenal job,” Ochocinco declared.

The Heisman Race Heats Up

As the season heads toward its climax, the race for the Heisman Trophy remains wide open. Here’s how the competition stacks up:

– Travis Hunter (Colorado): Odds: -360. His ability to shine on both sides of the ball keeps him in the lead.
– Ashton Jeanty (Boise State): Odds: +400. The 5’9” running back is putting up historic numbers, including 159 rushing yards and three touchdowns in a Week 12 win.
– Dillon Gabriel (Oregon): Despite an undefeated record, Gabriel’s weak performances, like a 16-13 squeaker over Wisconsin, have hurt his case.
– Cam Ward (Miami):Once a contender, Ward’s Heisman hopes took a nosedive after a disappointing Week 11 loss to Georgia Tech.

Conclusion

As the Heisman race reaches its critical juncture, Travis Hunter’s extraordinary performances demand recognition. Whether the voters can separate personal feelings about Deion Sanders from the undeniable talent on the field remains to be seen.