How Training Camp Will Decide the Role of Jacksonville’s Two-Way Phenom in 2026
After a season-ending injury in practice brought an early close to Travis Hunter’s rookie season, the two-way athlete is now looking to have a major bounce-back. In an interview with NFL Network, the former Buffalo stated that he plans to play all of the snaps during the 2026 season. Obviously, head coach Liam Coen and general manager James Gladstone have had conflicting statements on whether they deem it possible for Hunter to play both sides at an elite level. In April, NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport reported that the plan was for the West Palm Beach native to take more snaps on the defensive side of the ball as a cornerback, with limited snaps as a wide receiver. Despite this, Coen has allowed Hunter to practice with the offense and has even given the two-way more opportunities to prove himself offensively.
In his shortened 2025 season, Hunter did take more snaps on offense than defense, with 324 snaps as a receiver compared to 162 snaps as a corner. There is much more competition to be had at the loaded cornerback position, with the second spot behind veteran Montaric Brown still being up for grabs entering training camp. Defensive coordinator Anthony Campanile has expressed positive feelings towards Hunter’s abilities as a corner, as having good performances in camp could throw the former Colorado star into the starting mix. As he returned to camp for his sophomore NFL season, many analysts pointed out a noticeable weight gain. However, the youngster doesn’t see any problem with adding a few more pounds to his build. If anything, more muscle and weight can allow Hunter to be more physical on both sides of the ball, which could be a game changer for him in 2026.
On Friday, Hunter described himself as feeling the fastest he’s ever been. Despite adding the pounds, the athlete can move at the same speed if not faster, making him a dangerous wideout threat for the Jaguars. He topped out at 22.6 mph at the Jaguars’ practice facility, making him one of the fastest players in the NFL. Only two players have posted a faster speed in an actual game, with those being two former Miami Dolphins in Tyreek Hill and Raheem Mostert. Although he had surgery in November, the two-way product is looking healthier than ever. Early in camp so far, Hunter has felt comfortable switching between both sides of the ball, which was something he did not do until late in his rookie camp. If Hunter can continue the positive energy that he has flashed throughout camp so far, he could find himself in a starting role on not just one, but both sides of the ball in 2026. To many, a healthy two-way star could propel the Jaguars right into the mix as Super Bowl contenders.
