In a story for ESPN written by Bill Barnwell called “NFL players, coaches, GMs under the most pressure in 2026,” he named Jacksonville Jaguars’ Travis Hunter as one of his top NFL figures facing the most pressure in 2026.
Unlike many on this list, Hunter isn’t a coach or GM fighting to keep his job, and he’s also not entering a contract year.
Hunter instead made this list with Barnwell believing that what happens in 2026 from a playing time standpoint will potentially impact his trajectory as a two-way player in 2027 and beyond.
After a disappointing rookie year, Jacksonville’s two-way phenom faces a pressure-filled season that may determine his long-term ability to remain on both sides of the ball.
“If Hunter can stay healthy and make an impact on both sides of the ball on a regular basis, his goal of being a two-way player should still be on track,” wrote Barnwell. “If he gets hurt, or if the Jaguars aren’t able to carve out a meaningful role on one side or the other for their most interesting player, he might be something closer to a full-time wide receiver or (more likely) cornerback in 2027.”
Hunter came to the Jaguars as one of the most unique and special talents to enter the league in NFL history as a prospect. A true two-way player in college at Colorado, Hunter was seen as having All-Pro potential at either wide receiver, cornerback, or both.
That is why the Jaguars were willing to give up the draft capital it took to move up for Hunter at No. 2 overall.
Hunter finished his historic college career with 171 receptions for 2,167 yards and 24 touchdowns on offense, alongside 85 tackles and nine interceptions.
But last season in his rookie year he was limited in play, as a knee injury cut his season short. Hunter had 28 receptions for 298 yards and one touchdown. On defense, Hunter had 15 total tackles and three pass deflections.
He was listed as a starting CB and reserve WR, and his practice reps said that’s the direction things will go to kick off the season. It’s unclear what kind of role Hunter can expect on offense to begin the season, especially in a position group that boasts Brian Thomas, Parker Washington, Jakobi Meyers and rookie sixth-round NFL Draft picks Josh Cameron and C.J. Williams.
His best is needed on defense this year if Liam Coen’s Jaguars want to take the next step and get back to the playoffs and even more so, bring a Super Bowl to Northeast Florida.
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