Travis Hunter should be a game-changer for Jaguars despite surprising 'Madden' rating

Despite winning the 2024 Heisman Trophy, Jacksonville Jaguars rookie cornerback/wide receiver Travis Hunter didn't receive an elite rating in the new video game "Madden NFL 26." 

In the game, which will be released on Aug. 14, Hunter has a rating of 76, decent for a rookie but not stellar. Last year, Arizona Cardinals second-year WR Marvin Harrison Jr. had a rating of 79. However, he doesn't care.

"That's the 'Madden' rating, that's it," Hunter said while smiling in a Wednesday news conference. "I'm not worried about a 'Madden' rating right now. I'm worried about playing football." 

Early indications are that Hunter's rating should improve when he plays this upcoming season.

Hunter, 22, showcased his coverage skills at OTAs when he intercepted a pass with one hand during a drill. He has continued to impress through the first two days of mandatory minicamp. 

"He has just a wealth of talent, and he's a super intelligent guy, which makes it really fun," Jaguars defensive coordinator Anthony Campanile told the media Wednesday. "He's really quick on the uptake. So, he's a fun guy to coach, to be around. I know his position coaches love coaching him."

Hunter, the second pick of the 2025 NFL Draft, is still working with the Jaguars offense. How much he plays on both sides of the ball remains to be seen. Regardless, he showed he can handle a heavy workload in his final season with the Colorado Buffaloes. 

Per Pro Football Focus, Hunter played 1,552 snaps (753 offensive, 776 defensive and 23 special teams) in 13 games for the Buffaloes during the 2024 season. On offense, he had 96 receptions for 1,258 yards and 15 touchdown catches. On defense, he recorded four interceptions and 11 passes defended.