The name Travis Hunter elicits so many questions in the football world. Did he deserve to win the Heisman in 2024? Is he worthy of all the draft capital the Jacksonville Jaguars spent to get him? Does he have the ability to pull off the two-way experiment of being a full-time cornerback and a part-time receiver? This is the kind of response that comes with Hunter’s unique athleticism. Now, according to Fox Sports’ Bucky Brooks in his players under the most pressure rankings, there are questions of whether Travis Hunter is under the most pressure of any Jaguars player to succeed heading into 2026.
Pre-Draft Worries, Post-Draft Nightmare Realized
Brooks ranked Hunter fifth in his pressure rankings, citing the fear that Hunter may not be as explosive coming off the torn LCL that ended his rookie season. The one pre-draft worry about Hunter and his persistence as a two-way pro was the toll the workload would have on his body. As a full-time receiver, he would consistently take hits from bigger cornerbacks, safeties and linebackers throughout the game.
Is Travis Hunter the Jaguar Under the Most Pressure?
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As pressure goes for this season, while Hunter may be under some, given the amount of draft capital used to obtain him, I don’t think Travis Hunter is the Jaguar under the most pressure heading into 2026. Hunter is just a sophomore and has shown enough flashes to believe that the arrow is still pointing up for him. There are some Jaguars, like Parker Washington, who may have to play on the final year of his deal after a potential breakout season. There’s Ezra Cleveland, who is going to play on the last year of his deal and has guys like Emmanuel Pregnon breathing down his neck on the depth chart.
Also, Hunter ended his rookie season with 298 yards on 28 receptions and a touchdown as a receiver. On defense, he allowed a passer rating of 68.3 and a 50% completion percentage when targeted, with three pass break-ups.
With Hunter switching over to a full-time defensive player, it seems that he will be giving more of the hits instead of taking as many, probably adding years to his potential career longevity. Add in the fact that Hunter looks to have put on some good muscle to be more durable, and it seems the former Colorado Buffalo is taking measures to knock as much pressure and doubt off his shoulders as possible.
