Travis Hunter’s Journey: From College Football Legend to NFL Rookie Making History

8 September 2025 American Football

A Historic Path to the NFL

Travis Hunter, Colorado’s Heisman Trophy winner, was selected by the Jacksonville Jaguars with the No. 2 overall pick in the 2025 NFL Draft, becoming the highest drafted cornerback and second-highest drafted wide receiver in NFL history.

College Career Excellence

Hunter closed his final year at Colorado with 1,258 receiving yards, 16 total touchdowns and four interceptions, becoming Colorado’s second-ever Heisman Trophy winner after Rashaan Salaam in 1994. He made history as only the second-ever defensive player to win the award after Charles Woodson in 1997. Notably, Hunter became the first player in college football history to win both the Chuck Bednarik Award as the nation’s top defensive player and the Fred Biletnikoff Award as the nation’s best wide receiver.

NFL Debut Performance

In his highly anticipated NFL debut with the Jacksonville Jaguars against the Carolina Panthers, Hunter demonstrated his potential with a team-high six catches for 33 yards. Quarterback Trevor Lawrence targeted Hunter eight times, though mostly in conservative play calls.

Future Prospects and Team Strategy

Hunter will join franchise quarterback Trevor Lawrence and Pro Bowl receiver Brian Thomas Jr. to form the core of the Jaguars’ offense. While the team envisions him primarily as a receiver starting opposite Thomas, they plan to incorporate defensive packages for him as well. Coach Liam Coen may increase Hunter’s defensive playing time as the rookie season progresses, though the Heisman Trophy winner has shown most comfort on offense. There remains anticipation for Hunter to receive more opportunities on both sides of the ball.

Breaking New Ground

Hunter aims to make history by becoming the first player to consistently play both offense and defense in the modern NFL. His ambition to play “100 percent” on both sides of the ball would be a feat not accomplished regularly since the 1960s. For perspective, only three NFL players have started at both WR and CB in the same game since 1980: Antonio Cromartie, Champ Bailey, and Deion Sanders.