Even though 2026 will be somewhat of a restart for Travis Hunter in the NFL, the 2026 season is already looking like a pivotal one in the career of the Jacksonville Jaguars star.

An enigma from the outset, Hunter was the 2024 Heisman Trophy winner for the Colorado Buffaloes and Coach Deion Sanders. So, he was essentially a household name before he ever put on a Jacksonville jersey. However, after being drafted by the Jags with the second overall pick in 2025, he entered the NFL as a player without a true position.It wasn't quite clear if the newcomer should play offense or defense; he had the standout skills and athleticism to do either --- and potentially both.

But hopes were tempered when it appeared that Hunter hadn't really excelled much at either, at least not in terms that were translatable. As the season loomed, and that he would be much more of a project player than originally envisioned.

Even with his blinding speed, elusive moves, and unique versatility, he didn't seem suited to be a top wide receiver... at least not yet. He settled in as a cornerback and 'weapon' - a physical specimen who could be utilized on returns and gimmick plays on offense. It was very similar to the role his famous college coach played with the Dallas Cowboys in the final years of their early 90's dynasty.

On October 30, Hunter suffered a knee injury during practice, heading into week 8. On November 11, the Jaguars announced that Hunter had undergone season-ending surgery to repair a torn lateral collateral ligament in his right knee. His eagerly anticipated entry into the NFL had fizzled out before it took flight.

Despite his lofty selection, Jaguars head coach Liam Coen says that, heading into the season, he expects to see a big jump in production from the 23-year-old wunderkind. He's got massive amounts of untapped talent, but Coen thinks we will see those rivers flowing in the upcoming campaign.

“Yeah, I would think so,” Coen said in his Friday press conference. “I think that you’re going to continue to try to get him in positions that he can do things that he’s good at. That’s what we’re trying to do. Those are different ways of getting him the football while also letting him just go play, too.

“It [isn’t] always... going to go scheme to him when he’s in the game, right? He’s a damn good blocker. He can run routes in terms of, maybe the ball’s not schemed up to go to him and still get open and still have a chance to play. I’m not, obviously, having a count in my head with how many plays and what we’re exactly going to do with him. But he definitely will play both.”

Coach Coen and the Jaguars kick off the new season on Sunday at home against the Cleveland Browns, ironically the team that traded that second overall pick to the Teal & Black. It will be the first opportunity for Jacksonville fans to see if Hunter has turned the page and is ready to ascend in the NFL.