Travis Hunter made his highly anticipated NFL preseason debut with the Jacksonville Jaguars, showing both potential and a moment he’d likely prefer to forget. The former Colorado standout, known for playing on both sides of the ball, appeared in the Jaguars’ 31-25 loss to the Pittsburgh Steelers, taking snaps as both a wide receiver and a cornerback.
Hunter played 19 snaps in total — 11 on offense and 8 on defense. As a receiver, he finished with two receptions for 9 yards. While the stats were modest, his brief time on offense displayed glimpses of his versatility and hinted at the value he could bring to the Jaguars’ playbook. Despite one headline-grabbing mistake, his debut still offered encouraging signs of his potential.
On the defensive side, Hunter had a relatively quiet outing, logging 8 snaps at cornerback. He wasn’t targeted during those plays, but his presence still reflects the Jaguars’ commitment to developing his two-way potential. His usage on both offense and defense highlights the coaching staff’s confidence in his versatility, and fans were eager to see how he’d adjust to the pro level.
Despite the overall promise, one defensive moment stole the spotlight for the wrong reasons. Early in the first quarter, Hunter found himself one-on-one with rookie running back Kaleb Johnson. The third-round pick from the 2025 draft delivered a powerful stiff-arm that knocked Hunter to the turf a tough welcome to the NFL moment that quickly drew attention.
What’s next for Travis Hunter?
While his debut had its ups and downs, it’s important not to overanalyze a single preseason outing. The game offered just a glimpse of what Hunter is capable of, and he’s expected to learn and improve as he adjusts to the NFL level.
With more playing time and experience, Hunter is still projected to grow into the dynamic player he was in college. The Jaguars’ upcoming matchup against the New Orleans Saints on August 17 will be a key opportunity for him to bounce back and demonstrate his full potential. His performance in the next few games will be crucial in earning a secure spot on the roster and continuing his journey as a true two-way threat.
