All eyes are on Travis Hunter ahead of the 2026 season. The Jacksonville Jaguars drafted him second overall last year because they believed he could change the landscape not just of football but of sports as a whole. Unfortunately, the Heisman Trophy wasn't able to meet expectations because he suffered a knee injury that prematurely ended his rookie campaign.
The good news is that Hunter is ahead of schedule in his recovery and doing what he can on and off the field to be ready for the season opener. Understandably, his return to the Jags is generating lots of hype, as everybody wants to see him reach his potential. One NFL analyst, in particular, believes the former Heisman Trophy winner is poised to break out.
Travis Hunter is in a position to explode for the Jaguars in 2026
Garrett Podell of CBS Sports drew up a list of five second-year players poised to break out. He included Travis Hunter, arguing that having a more refined role will allow him to flourish next season. Here's the skinny.
"There's nowhere to go but for Travis Hunter, the 2025 NFL Draft's second overall pick," Podell wrote. "He lasted seven games playing both wide receiver and cornerback in the NFL before a season-ending LCL tear in his knee."
Podell continued, "Hunter still produced 298 yards receiving, 15 tackles and three passes defended in those seven games, making him the only NFL player in the 21st century with 200-plus receiving and 10-plus tackles in a season, per CBS Sports Research. Imagine what Hunter can do for the defending AFC South champions in 2026."
Hunter got off to a slow start to his NFL career, but that was mostly due to having to learn the nuances of not just one but two positions. Once he began to settle, he showed the playmaking capability that made him a superstar at Colorado. Against the Los Angeles Rams in Week 7, it all came together, with the West Palm Beach, Florida native reeling in eight receptions for 101 yards with a touchdown. On top of that, he broke up a key throw to receiver Davante Adams.
With his breakout game, Hunter joined an exclusive group of NFL players who had logged over 100 yards receiving and a pass defensed. Understandably, his stock went through the roof, but the LCL injury would unfortunately bring his rookie season to a screeching halt. Nevertheless, Jacksonville expects big things from him in Year 2.
For his part, Hunter isn't resting on his laurels. He's been hitting the gym and soaking up as much info to put himself in a position to succeed next season.
The Jaguars expect big things from Travis Hunter in Year 2
Keep in mind that this isn't the first time Travis Hunter has earned praise this offseason. Leaving aside that the consensus sees him as a breakout candidate in 2026, he's also been dubbed a potential Defensive Player of the Year Candidate, and the regular season hasn't even begun! Simply put, analysts are aware that he's yet to reach his full potential. It's also encouraging that the Jaguars aren't giving up on the two-way.
After logging more snaps at receiver in 2025, Hunter will see an uptick in playing time on defense. This is noteworthy because he may be better positioned to play corner at the NFL level, and that's where he could become an All-Pro.
Either way, Travis Hunter is under pressure to deliver in Year 2; everything is in place for him to easily clear the bar.
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