Former Colorado Buffaloes star Travis Hunter made his highly anticipated NFL debut for the Jacksonville Jaguars on Sunday, delivering energy and poise in a 26–10 win over the Carolina Panthers.
Hunter, drafted as both a wide receiver and defensive back, lined up primarily on offense and caught six passes for 33 yards on eight targets. He also rotated in for a handful of defensive snaps, reflecting the Jaguars’ plan to ease him into a two-way role. He said in his postgame press conference, “I did my job. That was the main focus, me doing my job,” Hunter said. “I did what they asked me to do, and I know I could do more and I know I could do better.”
The Jaguars leaned heavily on the ground game, rushing for 200 yards as a team. Hunter noted the balance was key: “That’s great. You can run the ball, and then they have to come up and play man and press us. Then we get to throw the ball, so it was great that we were able to run the ball right through them.”
"We went out there and won... My first game was a dub, so that's exciting for me."@TravisHunterJr | #CARvsJAX pic.twitter.com/EXHKXVnG73
— Jacksonville Jaguars (@Jaguars) September 7, 2025
Hunter’s energy was evident throughout the afternoon, often the first player to celebrate with teammates. He was especially thrilled when rookie Brian Thomas Jr. scored on a reverse: “I was on the sideline happy because I knew it was his play and I knew he was going to get the ball and score. He forgot to do the dance, but it’s all good.”
For Hunter, the debut carried personal meaning. Before kickoff, he shared a moment with his grandmother in the stands. “I grew up here in South Florida, so it was great for me to be able to show my grandma. She was the first person to sign me up for football, so her seeing me on the big stage was an exciting moment for me.”
Above all, the debut ended the way Hunter wanted: “We went out there and won. My first game was a W, so that’s exciting for me.”
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