Fans of college sports may have heard of Travis Hunter, a Georgia-based high school senior who is one of the nation's top-ranking football recruits. 

Earlier today (Dec. 15), Hunter–who was scouted by various schools, including Florida State and Clemson–revealed the university to which he would ultimately sign: Jackson State. Hunter had been committed to FSU for nearly two years.

Over the past six years, the top recruits have signed with either Ohio State, Clemson, Georgia State, UCLA, or the University of Michigan. Furthermore, a look at the top-ranking recruits from 2000 onwards shows that no one committed to an HBCU.

However, Hunter broke this trend by signing to JSU. Since the news broke, a clip of his announcement has begun circulating on social media, and many viewers share in the audience's excitement. It's also worth noting that he gets some extra kudos for making his revelation so suspenseful! 

On Tuesday night, Coach Deion Sanders made a historic prediction before the early national signing period.

"We're going to shock the country," the Jackson State coach told Barstool Sports

Hunter visited Jackson State in November to watch the team's victory over Alcorn State. Following his announcement, the athlete further elaborated on choosing JSU over FSU in a post on social media highlighting the importance of signing with an HBCU despite his initial plans to play for Florida State. 

"Florida State has always been a beacon for me. I grew up down there, that's where my roots are, and I never doubted that I would play for the Seminoles," Hunter wrote. "It's a dream that is hard to let go of, but sometimes we are called to step into a bigger future than the one we imagined for ourselves. For me, that future is at Jackson State University."

"Jerry Rice, Doug Williams, and, of course, JSU's own Walter Payton – Historically Black Colleges and Universities have a rich history in football," Hunter wrote. "I want to be part of that history, and more, I want to be part of that future. I am making this decision so that I can light the way for others to follow."

"Make it a little easier for the next player to recognize that HBCUs may be everything you want and more: an exciting college experience, a vital community, and a life-changing place to play football," Hunter stated.

Hunter signed to JSU on the heels of the Mississippi-based HBCU winning the Southwestern Athletic Conference (SWAC) earlier this month. The team's success would not have been possible without Sanders, who was notably named the SWAC's Coach of the Year just last month. Sanders became Jackson State's head football coach back in 2020, and he has been an outspoken advocate for increased HBCU recognition in sports since his appointment.

Sanders made headlines back in May for accusing the NFL of overlooking HBCU athletes in the 2021 draft, as Blavity previously reported. 

"Our kids are being NEGLECTED & REJECTED," Sanders wrote on his Instagram. "I witnessed a multitude of kids that we played against that were more than qualified to be drafted. My prayers are that This won't EVER happen again. Get yo knife out my back and fight with me, not against me!"

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