Travis Hunter’s final lighthearted thoughts before Heisman Trophy ceremony

Travis Hunter refused to touch the Heisman Trophy for the second straight day, citing his superstition that he doesn't want to touch the trophy until he knows it's his. That announcement is just hours away, as Hunter will learn if he is the 2024 Heisman Trophy winner just before the clock hits 9 p.m. ET. (Photo via Trent Finnegan/Sko Buffs Sports)

NEW YORK - With the Heisman Trophy announcement being just two hours away, the four finalists had a chance to get their final thoughts off before heading to the official ceremony. While the ceremony begins at 8 p.m. ET, the official announcement is expected to be made around 8:50 p.m. ET.

At the preliminary press conference, Colorado two-way star Travis Hunter was feeling himself and was in a joyful mood, showing no signs of nerves before the big ceremony. He made silly faces during photos and brought up fishing when answering questions. It was clear that he was trying to enjoy his time in the Big Apple the most and not worry too much about the trophy. 

He also showed his superstitions, as he refused to touch the Heisman Trophy when taking photos with it for the second straight day.

“[I’m] definitely not touching the trophy until I know it’s ours,” Hunter said.

When the group of finalists was asked questions about the Heisman, the others talked about how they were exploring the big city or getting some good sleep before the night of the ceremony.

Travis Hunter on the other hand?

“I watched some fishing videos,” he said with a chuckle.

When preparing for a game or a big ceremony like tonight’s, Hunter said that he does “normal stuff” to prepare himself.

“My normal stuff is watching YouTube, watch fishing, watch film, stuff like that,” Hunter said.

The last bit of comedy Hunter brought to the pre-ceremony press conference might not have been so funny to New Yorkers around town. The four finalists were asked if they could see themselves playing in New York for the Giants or Jets, two teams that are projected to have a very high pick in the 2025 NFL Draft.

Hunter simply shook his head and went on to the next question, garnering laughs from the crowd.

The announcement is just over two hours away on who will win the 2024 Heisman Trophy. Hunter closed as a -2250 favorite on ESPNBET, but the word around New York indicates that it shouldn’t be that much of a runaway, as Boise State’s Ashton Jeanty is right there with him and has a very strong case to bring the trophy home to the blue turf of Boise. 

Watch the ceremony on ESPN starting at 8 p.m. ET.