Travis Hunter Announces Transfer to UCF Knights

Highly touted recruit leaves Jackson State after one season to join Florida's top college football program.

Apr. 10, 2026 at 11:24pm

A cubist-style painting depicting a football player in motion, with their jersey number partially visible but their face obscured by overlapping geometric shapes in a vibrant color palette.The transfer of top recruit Travis Hunter from Jackson State to UCF signals a shift in the balance of power in Florida college football.Today in Jacksonville

Travis Hunter, the nation's top-ranked high school football recruit in the class of 2022, has announced he is transferring from Jackson State University to the University of Central Florida. Hunter, a cornerback and wide receiver, will have four years of eligibility remaining with the Knights.

Why it matters

Hunter's decision to leave Jackson State, where he played for coach Deion Sanders, and join UCF is a major coup for the Knights' program. As one of the most sought-after recruits in recent memory, Hunter's transfer will bring significant attention and expectations to UCF as they look to build on a successful 2025 season.

The details

In a video posted to his social media accounts, Hunter cited UCF's strong track record of developing NFL talent, the school's proximity to his hometown of Suwanee, Georgia, and the chance to play for head coach Gus Malzahn as key factors in his decision to transfer. Hunter was the first five-star recruit to sign with an HBCU program when he committed to Jackson State in 2021.

  • Hunter announced his transfer decision on April 10, 2026.
  • He played one season at Jackson State in 2025 before deciding to leave the program.

The players

Travis Hunter

A highly touted cornerback and wide receiver who was the top-ranked recruit in the class of 2022, Hunter played one season at Jackson State before deciding to transfer to UCF.

Deion Sanders

The head football coach at Jackson State University, where Hunter played in 2025 before transferring.

Gus Malzahn

The head football coach of the University of Central Florida Knights, who landed the transfer of Travis Hunter for the 2026 season.

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What they’re saying

“I'm excited to be a part of the UCF family and can't wait to get to work with Coach Malzahn and the team.”

— Travis Hunter

What’s next

Hunter will join the UCF Knights for spring practice ahead of the 2026 season, where he is expected to compete for a starting role on both offense and defense.

The takeaway

Travis Hunter's transfer from Jackson State to UCF is a major recruiting win for the Knights and a significant loss for Deion Sanders' program at Jackson State. The move highlights UCF's growing status as a destination for top football talent in the state of Florida.