Colorado’s Travis Hunter, a standout on both offense and defense, was named the Big 12 defensive player of the year, while Buffaloes quarterback Shedeur Sanders was chosen as the top offensive player, based on a vote by the league’s coaches released Thursday.
Arizona State’s Kenny Dillingham, in his second season as head coach at his alma mater, was named coach of the year. The Sun Devils (10-2) made their Big 12 debut this season and will compete in the Big 12 championship game against Iowa State on Saturday. They have already set a school-record improvement, winning seven more games than last year.
Hunter, who is also a leading candidate for the Heisman Trophy, is the first player in Big 12 history to record both an interception and an offensive touchdown in multiple games.
As a defensive back, Hunter has four interceptions and 11 pass breakups. On offense, he leads the Big 12 with 92 catches and 14 touchdowns, totaling 1,152 receiving yards and ranking third in the league with 96.0 yards per game.
Sanders is the Big 12’s leading passer, averaging 327.2 yards per game. He has completed 337 of 454 passes (74.2%) for 3,926 yards and a school-record 35 touchdowns for the Buffs (10-2).
Arizona State sophomore receiver Jordyn Tyson, who has 75 catches for 1,101 yards and 10 touchdowns but will miss the Big 12 championship game due to injury, was named the offensive newcomer of the year. Colorado defensive end BJ Green II, who has 7 1/2 sacks, was named the top defensive newcomer.
