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Travis Hunter has blunt admission after NFL debut

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Jeff Hauser | Last updated Aug 10, 2025 2:39 PM ET

Travis Hunter’s highly anticipated NFL debut offered the first real test of his ability to handle two-way duties at the professional level.

On Saturday night against the Pittsburgh Steelers, the Jacksonville Jaguars rookie split time between wide receiver and cornerback, playing 18 total snaps (Ten on offense and eight on defense) in a 31-25 preseason loss.

For Hunter, the spotlight was nothing new, and neither are the nerves. He admitted that anxiety always hits before every game he’s played, dating back to high school. “I was a little nervous at first,” Hunter said via NFL reporter Brian Schaible. “But after the first play, I was good.”

Hunter made an early impact offensively, catching two passes for nine yards on the Jaguars’ opening drive and nearly securing a third grab before it was nullified by a penalty. He lined up five of his six snaps from the slot and earned praise from head coach Liam Coen. “He made a couple good catches on some option routes… I thought offensively, he made the right decisions,” Coen said.

Hunter’s night defensively was more uneven. He missed a tackle on Steelers running back Kaleb Johnson and was involved in a coverage miscommunication inside the red zone.

The play didn’t result in a completion, but it prompted quick sideline coaching from defensive backs coach Anthony Perkins and safety Andrew Wingard. Despite the miscues, Hunter viewed the performance as a learning step.

Hunter’s workload reflected his training camp usage, where he’s seen slightly more action on offense than defense. The debut may not have been flawless, but it showed glimpses of versatility that made him one of the most intriguing players in the 2025 NFL Draft.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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