A Milestone in College Sports
USA TODAY Sports has just released a landmark ranking to commemorate the nation's 250th anniversary, spotlighting the ten best college athletes from each corner of the country.
Among the states, Colorado stands out with a particularly rich representation, featuring four athletes from the University of Colorado, three from Colorado State, and single selections from Colorado College, the United States Air Force Academy, and the University of Denver.
The list weaves together legends from football, swimming, hockey, basketball and even the judiciary, illustrating how athletic excellence can intersect with broader civic achievement.
At the forefront is Travis Hunter, a recent Colorado standout whose two‑way brilliance on the gridiron earned him multiple national awards and a reputation for unmatched versatility.
Close behind, Rashaan Salaam is remembered not only for his electrifying rushing yards and touchdowns but also for being Colorado’s sole Heisman Trophy winner before Hunter’s ascent.
Hale Irwin, celebrated for his dual‑sport prowess, captured an NCAA football title in 1967 while also carving a distinguished career on the golf course.
Byron White, whose collegiate feats preceded a distinguished tenure on the U.S. Supreme Court, rounds out the Colorado contingent with a legacy that spans both sport and law.
The roster also honors Amy Van Dyken, whose six Olympic gold medals in the pool cement her status as one of Colorado State’s most decorated athletes.
Thurman McGraw, Bill Masterton, Chad Hennings, Bill Hay and Becky Hammon each bring distinctive narratives — from McGraw’s three‑sport collegiate dominance to Masterton’s championship‑laden hockey career, Hennings’ Outland Trophy triumph, Hay’s induction into the Hockey Hall of Fame, and Hammon’s trailblazing path from NBA assistant to WNBA head coach.
Together, these athletes illustrate a century‑spanning tapestry of achievement that reflects Colorado’s enduring impact on American sport and beyond.