Travis Hunter’s rookie season with the Jacksonville Jaguars is turning heads, as the former Heisman winner is making history as the NFL’s first true two-way player in decades. After just five games, Hunter’s stats and on-field versatility are fueling buzz across the league—and raising the bar for what’s possible in pro football.
A Rookie Like No Other
Hunter, drafted second overall by the Jaguars in 2025, entered the NFL with sky-high expectations after a legendary college career at Colorado. Not only did he dominate as a wide receiver, but he also locked down opponents as a cornerback—a rare feat that drew comparisons to his mentor, Deion Sanders.
Now, Hunter is living up to the hype. The Jaguars have unleashed him on both sides of the ball, and the early results are impressive.
Breaking Down the Numbers
Through Week 5 of the 2025 NFL season, here’s how Hunter stacks up:
-
Receptions: 16
-
Receiving Yards: 182
-
Touchdowns: 0
-
Yards per Catch: 11.4
-
Targets: 24
-
Catch Rate: 66.7%-
Longest Reception: 44 yards
-
Defensive Stats: Multiple solo tackles and two pass breakups
Hunter’s best game so far came in a Monday night thriller against the Chiefs, where he caught all three of his targets for a career-high 64 yards—including a highlight-reel 44-yard grab—and added two solo tackles plus a pass defensed on defense.
The Two-Way Experiment: How Is It Working?
What sets Hunter apart isn’t just his receiving stats—it’s his ability to contribute on defense. He’s already posted multiple tackles in three games and has two pass breakups, making him a legitimate threat at both wide receiver and cornerback.
The Jaguars’ coaching staff is carefully managing his snap counts, prioritizing offense but still giving him key defensive assignments. This approach echoes Deion Sanders’ legendary two-way stints, but Hunter is taking it even further by playing significant snaps on both sides each week.
Expert Insights: Can Hunter Keep It Up?
NFL analysts are watching closely to see if Hunter’s two-way workload is sustainable. Some question whether his defensive duties might limit his offensive production, but so far, he’s showing no signs of slowing down. His chemistry with quarterback Trevor Lawrence is growing, and he’s already established himself as a big-play threat in Jacksonville’s new-look offense.
Fantasy football experts note that while Hunter hasn’t found the end zone yet, his usage and explosive plays suggest touchdowns are only a matter of time.
What’s Next for the Jaguars’ Star Rookie?
With the Jaguars set to face the Seahawks in Week 6, all eyes will be on Hunter to see if he can continue his upward trajectory. If he keeps making plays on both sides of the ball, he could redefine what it means to be a modern NFL star.
Hunter’s rookie campaign is more than just a stat line—it’s a glimpse into the future of football, where versatility and athleticism reign supreme.
Sources
1. Travis Hunter NFL Stats & News - RotoWire
2. Travis Hunter Stats (2025) - Career and Game Logs
3. Travis Hunter 2025 Stats per Game - NFL - ESPN
4. Travis Hunter - Jacksonville Jaguars
5. Travis Hunter Stats, News and Video - WR - NFL.com
6. Travis Hunter - Jacksonville Jaguars Wide Receiver - ESPN
7. Travis Hunter Stats Summary | NFL.com
