Travis Hunter transferred from Jackson State to Colorado in December 2022, following head coach Deion Sanders. After completing his freshman season at Jackson State, Hunter entered the NCAA transfer portal on December 18 and committed to Colorado on December 21.
Although Sanders’ coaching move set the stage, Hunter’s transfer was a separate decision. He entered the portal, considered his options and chose to continue playing for Sanders in Boulder.
Why Was Travis Hunter at Jackson State?
Before his college transfer, Hunter had already made a major recruiting decision.
As one of the nation’s top high school football prospects, he had committed to Florida State. In December 2021, however, he changed his commitment and signed with Jackson State, where Sanders was the head coach.
That distinction matters: Hunter did not transfer from Florida State to Jackson State. He changed his commitment before beginning his college career.
Hunter played his freshman season at Jackson State in 2022 before deciding to move to Colorado.
How Deion Sanders’ Move to Colorado Set Up the Transfer
Sanders accepted the Colorado head coaching position in December 2022, creating an opportunity for Hunter to follow the coach who had recruited him to Jackson State.
Hunter stayed with Jackson State through the end of its season, including the Celebration Bowl against North Carolina Central on December 17. He entered the transfer portal the following day. ESPN’s contemporary report confirmed his portal entry and subsequent decision to follow Sanders.
The coaching change did not automatically move Hunter to Colorado. As a player, he still had to pursue his own transfer.
Travis Hunter’s Transfer Timeline
| Date | What happened |
|---|---|
| December 2021 | Hunter changed his high school commitment from Florida State and signed with Jackson State. |
| 2022 season | He played his freshman college season under Sanders at Jackson State. |
| December 2022 | Sanders accepted the head coaching job at Colorado. |
| December 17, 2022 | Hunter played in Jackson State’s season-ending Celebration Bowl. |
| December 18, 2022 | He entered the NCAA transfer portal. |
| December 21, 2022 | He committed to Colorado. |
| 2023 season | He began playing for the Colorado Buffaloes. |
Colorado officially included Hunter in its incoming class on December 21, alongside quarterback Shedeur Sanders and other additions. Colorado Athletics’ announcement identified Hunter as the top-ranked player in the transfer portal.
How Did Travis Hunter’s Transfer Process Work?
Hunter’s move involved three main steps.
1. He Finished His Season at Jackson State
Hunter completed his freshman season before entering the portal. His final game for Jackson State was the December 17 Celebration Bowl.
2. He Entered the NCAA Transfer Portal
Entering the portal made Hunter available for recruitment by other college programs. At that point, Colorado was a possible destination, but his decision had not yet been publicly finalized.
3. He Chose Colorado
On December 21, Hunter announced that he would join Colorado. The decision reunited him with Sanders and allowed him to continue his college career with a coach he already knew.
The short turnaround between portal entry and commitment made the move happen quickly: Hunter entered on December 18 and announced Colorado three days later. ESPN reported the announcement that Wednesday night.
Did Travis Hunter Automatically Transfer With Deion Sanders?
No. A coach accepting a new job does not automatically transfer the players on his former team.
Sanders moved to Colorado as its new head coach. Hunter separately entered the transfer portal and chose Colorado as his next school. Their decisions were closely connected, but they were distinct moves.
Frequently Asked Questions
When did Travis Hunter transfer to Colorado?
Hunter announced his commitment to Colorado on December 21, 2022, after entering the transfer portal on December 18.
Where did Travis Hunter play before Colorado?
He played his freshman season at Jackson State in 2022 under head coach Deion Sanders.
Did Travis Hunter transfer from Florida State?
No. Hunter was committed to Florida State during high school but changed his commitment and signed with Jackson State before starting college.
Why did Travis Hunter follow Deion Sanders?
Hunter chose to continue playing for Sanders, who had recruited and coached him at Jackson State. His commitment to Colorado reunited them after Sanders accepted the Buffaloes’ head coaching job.
When did Travis Hunter start playing for Colorado?
Hunter began playing for Colorado during the 2023 college football season.