BOULDER — Travis Hunter’s Heisman Trophy stock might be in flux. But his health is trending up, CU Buffs football coach Deion Sanders said Tuesday.
“Travis is better than last week,” said Coach Prime, whose 5-2 Buffs (3-1 Big 12) host Cincinnati (5-2, 3-1) in a prime-time Big 12 showdown late Saturday night at Folsom Field. “I think he had productivity (today) because he was feeling much better than last week.”
Hunter suffered an injury — ESPN reported it as a right shoulder problem, which CU hasn’t confirmed — late in the second quarter of a home loss to Kansas State two weeks ago. The junior sat out the second half of the K-State game but returned to start the Buffs’ 34-7 win at Arizona last weekend, although his role, and his touches, were limited as he clearly appeared to be playing hurt.
With CU up 28-7 at halftime, Sanders removed Hunter for second half in Tucson. The cornerback/wide receiver watched the third and fourth quarter in sweats.
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Hunter recorded two catches for 17 yards at Arizona, his fewest receptions in a Buffs uniform since the Rocky Mountain Showdown in 2023, when he suffered a lacerated liver on a tackle near the home sideline and was taken to the hospital. He missed the next three games.
Coach Prime said Hunter was on track to “certainly contribute a lot more (vs. Cincinnati) than he did a week ago” against U of A, “because he’s healthier.”
Hunter had a “little more pep in his step” at practice Tuesday and worked on ramping up his conditioning with the anticipation of playing more against the Bearcats this weekend. Hunter, a two-way standout who still leads CU in receptions (51), receiving yards (604) and interceptions (two) averaged more than 120 snaps per game over the Buffs’ first five tilts of the season.
Sanders also announced that sophomore tailback Isaiah Augustave will get the start as the featured runner vs. Cincinnati. The Arkansas transfer led the Buffs in carries (14) and rushing yards (53) against Arizona and has averaged 4.5 yards per carry over his last five games.
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