Travis Hunter texted Colorado head coach Deion Sanders after the Buffs’ loss to Oregon over the weekend.

“I need to play this week,” he said. “We need to get everything we can so I can get back on the field. I’m not taking no for an answer.”

Sanders shared that message with the rest of the Colorado team during a meeting after they got back to Boulder. Hunter missed his first game of the season after he was sent to the hospital with a lacerated liver by a hit in the Colorado State game. The initial timeline was expected to keep Hunter out two weeks at a minimum.

But Hunter watched the Buffs lose to Oregon 42-6 on the road this past Saturday. The loss dropped CU out of the Top 25. And this weekend they’ll welcome No. 8 USC to Folsom Field.

It’s hard to undervalue how much CU could use Hunter’s ability as a lockdown corner against the reigning Heisman Trophy winner, Caleb Williams.

“No, you ain’t ready and I care about you more than I care about this game,” Sanders responded to Hunter. “You’re gonna change the game of football one day when you’re healthy and ready. Your future is brighter than mine ever will be or ever was. Relax and get healthy. I love you son.

“That was the conversation. I care about y’all more than I care about this game. But I want you to learn throughout this game and through our trials and tribulations who you are.”

The full video can be found here. It comes from Sanders’ son’s media company, Well Off Media, which has been providing an up-close look at the Buffs all season.

Colorado hosts USC at noon ET on FOX this upcoming Saturday.