Jaguars Plan New Role for Versatile Star Travis Hunter in 2026

The team will use the two-way player primarily as a cornerback next season.

Published on Feb. 14, 2026

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The Jacksonville Jaguars plan to use their talented young star Travis Hunter primarily as a full-time cornerback in the 2026 NFL season, with only a part-time role as a wide receiver. This strategic shift aims to help Hunter find more consistent success on the field after missing the latter half of his rookie season due to a right knee injury.

Why it matters

Hunter's ability to excel at both wide receiver and cornerback is rare in the NFL, and the Jaguars are looking to maximize his impact by focusing his role. This move could help Hunter regain his Heisman Trophy-winning form and become a dominant two-way player, while also allowing the team to better manage his workload and avoid further injury.

The details

According to NFL Network's Cameron Wolfe, the Jaguars will have Hunter spend the majority of his time as a full-time cornerback in 2026, with only occasional snaps as a wide receiver. This approach is intended to help Hunter find a better rhythm at the cornerback position, where it can be more challenging to come in and out of the game. As a wide receiver, Hunter can more easily make an impact while spending some time on the sideline.

  • Hunter missed the latter half of his rookie season with a right knee injury sustained in practice.
  • Hunter is expected to be at full strength for the Jaguars' offseason activities in 2026.

The players

Travis Hunter

A talented young player who was the No. 2 overall pick in the NFL draft out of Colorado. Hunter is a versatile two-way player who excelled as both a wide receiver and cornerback in his rookie season, but missed time due to injury.

Cameron Wolfe

An NFL Network reporter who provided the details about the Jaguars' plans for using Hunter in the 2026 season.

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What they’re saying

“The Travis Hunter two-way role with the Jacksonville Jaguars isn't ending.”

— Cameron Wolfe, NFL Network Reporter (NFL Network)

What’s next

The Jaguars will work to hone in on the best way to utilize Hunter's versatile skillset during the offseason, with the goal of having him at full strength and in a focused role for the 2026 NFL season.

The takeaway

The Jaguars' decision to shift Travis Hunter's role towards being a full-time cornerback in 2026 demonstrates their commitment to maximizing the impact of their talented young star. By streamlining his responsibilities, the team hopes to help Hunter regain his elite form and become a dominant two-way player, while also managing his workload to avoid further injury.