Travis Hunter has quickly pushed himself into the Heisman Trophy conversation this season with outstanding performances on both sides of the ball. His dynamic play has drawn comparisons to his head coach Deion Sanders, who was a legendary figure in college football during his playing days.

But Sanders isn’t interested in portraying Hunter’s accomplishments as a reflection of his own career. Instead, he sees it as Hunter’s time to shine, a moment he wholeheartedly supports incomparably.

“I’m not against Travis,” Sanders noted during Tuesday’s press conference. “It was my turn, man. I’m no longer a doorknob. You can’t just turn me on and off like a light switch anymore. I don’t do that. Travis is everything. He’s ‘it.’” Now it’s his turn. I want him to get all the accolades, all the praise, all the love, all the attention and all the focus that I wanted.

Sanders, a former Thorpe Award winner and Hall of Famer, reflected on his own career with a sense of fulfillment. His main focus now is to use his extensive knowledge to improve Hunter’s game and ensure his protégé can reach his full potential.

Sanders likened himself to a veteran boxing trainer, someone who gives tactical advice from the corner rather than getting into the ring. “I’m the old boxing trainer in the corner who says, ‘Left. Right. Left. Right. Hit him right here. Come over to the corner. Let me tell you this.’ This is me now. I’m not against him.

As Hunter continues to excel, he prepares to lead Colorado to a Big 12 Championship and potentially a spot in the College Football Playoff. This weekend’s showdown against Kansas State in Boulder is crucial. It represents a high-stakes moment not only for the team, but also for Hunter’s Heisman campaign. Since the team has had two weeks to prepare, expectations are high.

Hunter has already captured the nation’s attention with his play, but this game could be the moment that separates him from other Heisman contenders. His ability to rise to the occasion will be crucial, and as Coach Prime said, “The stars shine brightest at night.” Saturday at the foot of the Flatirons could be Hunter’s time to make his biggest statement yet.