Hunter's All-Around Brilliance Leads Colorado to Commanding Victory Over Oklahoma State
ICARO Media Group
**Hunter Shines in Colorado's Dominant Victory Over Oklahoma State**
In a thrilling display of athleticism, Hunter delivered yet another epic performance, leading Colorado to a resounding victory over Oklahoma State. Playing over 100 snaps, Hunter's brilliance was evident from the game's third play when he intercepted an errant pass by Oklahoma State quarterback Maealiuaki Smith. This interception set the tone for what would prove to be an unforgettable game.
Hunter's offensive contributions were just as impressive. He nabbed his first touchdown reception in the first quarter, an 11-yard pass from Shedeur Sanders. By the third quarter, Hunter added an 8-yard touchdown catch, putting Colorado ahead by 35-0. He capped his stellar performance with a spectacular third touchdown, cementing his status as a top contender in the Heisman Trophy race.
For the season, Hunter's offensive stats are remarkable: 92 receptions for 1,152 yards and 14 touchdowns. On the defensive side, he has contributed with four interceptions and 11 pass breakups, showcasing his all-around talent.
Despite these extraordinary efforts, Hunter was surprisingly left out of the finalists for the Thorpe Award, which honors college football's best defensive back. Georgia's Malaki Starks, Texas' Jahdae Barron, and Ohio State's Caleb Downs were named as finalists instead.
The 52-point blowout against Oklahoma State also marked Hunter's final home game in Boulder, Colorado. With speculation around his future in college football, the Big 12 title race will be pivotal in determining whether Hunter returns for another game with the Buffaloes.
As Colorado celebrated Senior Day, Hunter stood out, securing his fourth interception of the season and the ninth of his college career. This achievement places him in rare company, being the first college football player in over 30 years to have at least nine interceptions and 20 touchdown catches in a career.
Should Colorado not make it to the Big 12 title game, the team could end up in a second-tier bowl game. This raises questions about whether Hunter will participate in a non-championship game or how he will approach his upcoming NFL draft process. Notably, several of his teammates have accepted invitations to the 2025 Shrine Bowl.
Looking ahead, Hunter may skip postseason all-star games and limit his activities at the NFL combine, similar to how Caleb Williams managed his pre-draft process. Regardless of his next steps, Hunter has already proven himself as a standout player both in college football and for potential future NFL teams.