Travis Hunter Wins The 2024 Chuck Bednarik Award As Nation's Most Outstanding defender, List of Past Winners
Travis Hunter, Colorado's two-way standout, was recognized for his efforts at both cornerback and receiver.
Hunter was the recipient of the Chuck Bednarik Award, which is given annually to college football's top defensive player. He became the first member of the Buffaloes to earn the honor.
He later earned the Biletnikoff Award as the best receiver in college football:
Hunter racked up 32 tackles, four interceptions, one tackle for loss and one forced fumble. His 11 passes defensed were also the most among all Big 12 players in 2024.
Hunter's ability to force turnovers at key points in Colorado's victories throughout the year helped the team finish with a 9-3 record and improve upon a 4-8 mark in 2023, which included a forced fumble that sealed a 38-31 win over Baylor on Sept. 21.
On Thursday, he won the award over finalists such as Penn State linebacker Abdul Carter and Ohio State safety Caleb Downs. Carter's 20 tackles for loss led the Big Ten, whole Downs racked up 62 total tackles for the Buckeyes in 2024.
Hunter's Bednarik Award victory wasn't met with unanimous approval, though.
As for his Biletnikoff victory, he showcased his ability to make contested grabs and rack up yards after the catch in 2024. His 14 receiving touchdowns and 1,152 receiving yards ranked No. 2 and No. 6 among all wideouts in the country, respectively.
Most outstanding defensive player: Chuck Bednarik Award Winners list by year 1995-2024
Complete list of Winners of the Chuck Bednarik Award for the outstanding collegiate defensive player:
2024_Travis Hunter, Colorado
2023_Payton Wilson, NC State
2022_Will Anderson Jr., Alabama
2021_Jordan Davis, Georgia
2020_Zach Collins, Tulsa
2019_Chase Young, Ohio State
2018_Josh Allen, Kentucky
2017_Minkah Fitzpatrick, Alabama
2016_Jonathan Allen, Alabama
2015_Tyler Matakevich, Temple
2014_Scooby Wright III, Arizona
2013_Aaron Donald, Pittsburgh
2012_Manti Te’o, Notre Dame
2011_Tyrann Mathieu, LSU
2010_Patrick Peterson, LSU
2009_Ndamukong Suh, Nebraska
2008_Rey Maualuga, Southern California
2007_Dan Connor, Penn State
2006_Paul Posluszny, Penn State
2005_Paul Posluszny, Penn State
2004_David Pollack, Georgia
2003_Teddy Lehman, Oklahoma
2002_E.J. Henderson, Maryland
2001_Julius Peppers, North Carolina
2000_Dan Morgan, Miami
1999_LaVar Arrington, Penn State
1998_Dat Nguyen, Texas A&M
1997_Charles Woodson, Michigan
1996_Pat Fitzgerald, Northwestern
1995_Pat Fitzgerald, Northwestern
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