Travis Hunter became a household name by the end of his college career, but not many people know how dominant he was in high school.
Before the bright lights in Colorado, before going viral for playing both sides of the ball, Hunter was already a star at Collins Hill High School in Georgia. There, he didn’t just play wide receiver and cornerback. He owned both roles, putting up ridiculous numbers and locking down anyone in front of him.
He was the No. 1 overall recruit in the 2022 class for a reason. His insane athleticism, ball skills, and competitiveness were obvious from day one.
But his journey from a five-star phenom to a college standout wasn’t the typical route. From shocking the world with his Jackson State commitment to becoming Coach Prime’s top guy at Colorado, Hunter’s path is anything but ordinary.
Rising Star at Collins Hill High School
Travis Hunter spent three unforgettable years at Collins Hill High School, turning heads on both sides of the ball. As a sophomore in 2019-2020, he racked up 49 receptions, 938 yards, 12 touchdowns, and 7 interceptions, helping the team to a 5-5 record. But that was just the beginning.
His junior year exploded: 137 catches, 1,966 yards, 26 touchdowns, and 8 picks. Collins Hill finished 12–3, and Travis Hunter earned MaxPreps Georgia Player of the Year honors.
By his senior season in 2021-2022, he was a national sensation. He posted 85 receptions for 1,440 yards, 14 touchdowns, and 4 interceptions, and led Collins Hill to a perfect 15-0 record, securing another MaxPreps Georgia Player of the Year title.
His dominance in high school was so historic that it caught Coach Prime’s attention, who took him under his wing at Jackson State. And Travis, despite having several D1 offers at the table, had complete faith in Deion Sanders’ program at an HBCU.
Breakout Season at Jackson State University
After shocking the world by flipping his commitment from Florida State to Jackson State, Travis Hunter made history as the highest-ranked recruit to sign with an HBCU.
Under Deion Sanders, Hunter brought his two-way dominance to the SWAC. In 2022-2023, despite injuries limiting his time, he made an impact fast, recording 18 receptions, 178 yards, and 5 touchdowns on offense, and 2 interceptions on defense. Jackson State finished with a 12-1 record, winning the SWAC Championship.
While his numbers weren’t as explosive as in high school, Hunter’s playmaking ability was on full display. His presence alone drew national attention and proved that elite talent could thrive outside Power Five programs.
National Sensation at the University of Colorado
When Travis Hunter followed Coach Prime to Colorado, the pressure was sky-high, and he delivered. In the 2023-2024 season, he posted 57 receptions, 721 yards, 5 touchdowns, and 3 interceptions on defense, despite Colorado finishing 4-8. Still, his grit and versatility stood out.
But 2024-2025 was his true breakout. Hunter exploded with 96 catches for 1,263 yards, 16 touchdowns, and grabbed 4 interceptions while helping the Buffs finish 9-4.
His electric two-way play earned him All-American honors and a Heisman trophy, along with a number of other accolades, unheard of for someone playing both sides.
Travis Hunter’s college career was a highlight reel of talent, toughness, and determination. From Georgia high school legend to national spotlight, he’s rewritten the playbook for what a college star can be.
