The only question that became the pain in the neck of every college football fan after a tumultuous week 7 is what Travis Hunter’s Heisman future’ will be. Will he be able to launch a quick bounce back, or will the physical constraint remain a spoilsport in the path of his almost accomplished dream? Well, if we go by the current odds list, the second sounds more feasible.

No matter how heart-breaking it might be for the Hunter fans, another gem of the Colorado Buffs, Shedeur Sanders, might not get that sentiment as the escapade turned into an opportunity for the 22-year-old. After all, Sanders got to taste his fallen spot in the most coveted Heisman race. In the latest Heisman odds, Travis is out of contention, while Shedeur is still holding the fort with +4500 odds.

Watching Colorado play has become an absolute treat for the football freaks this season. While the collective grit and consistent banger in the seasons build for the praise, Coach Primes’s favorite boy, Travis Hunter’s specific antics deserve a special mention on the road to the Buffaloes’ glorious trajectory. The brownie point in his bag was high-flying momentum in the Heisman contention that started to take shape more acutely, heading toward the halfway point of the season.

Although Boise State’s Ashton Jeanty recently replaced Hunter as the top name of the list, the two-way star was still very much there in the contention, slipping only a place next to the crest. But destiny has some other plan. In Saturday night’s matchup between Colorado and No. 18 Kansas State, Hunter couldn’t bring out his best as he was forced to leave the ground with an injury.

In the late first half, with 6 minutes remaining before half time when both the teams were running on the same page, Hunter felt discomfort in his right shoulder, immediately calling the attention of the medical staff. After a trivial check-up, he was escorted to the locker room.

The 6 ft 1 star was visibly racked with pain while going to the sidelines, implying the injury was far from a petty deal. To the worst, it kicked the eminent cornerback and wide receiver out of his dream Heisman run. But to the good, it mooted Shedeur Sanders in the race.

Did Shedeur Sanders’ recent performance add stack to his Heisman odds?

Travis Hunter had long-nurtured the wish to become the top NFL draft and the Heisman trophy winner unless and until an unexpected tragedy hit him last week. It was so inevitable that it’s still hard to imagine anyone else rising to the Heisman candidacy in his place. However, the fellow Buffs’ superstar, Shedeur Sanders, proved his mettle throughout the season.

In the Buffs’ last game against UCF before the bye, Sanders posted 290 yards with three touchdowns and an interception while getting sacked just twice. Despite losing four of his offensive weapons to injuries at various points in the game, including Hunter and Jimmy Horn Jr., Shedeur Sanders was in no mood to back down and simply accept defeat. He threw for 388 yards, completing 34 out of 40 passes.

It was like we were watching a genuine pro gracing us with his presence in college football. It didn’t matter who he was throwing to; the throws were perfect, except the last one he attempted for Sheppard. The QB noted that there is room for improvement in acknowledging his mistakes.

But as he was already eying the Heisman trophy race, getting into the list by fluke (to some extent) might work as a confidence booster to the 22-year-old. Now, he just has to capitalize on the chance to do his best to get closer to the trophy.