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Travis Hunter Was Fired Up Before Jaguars' First Preseason Game

Travis Hunter was fired up before making his preseason debut for the Jaguars.

Ryan Phillips

Jacksonville Jaguars rookie wide receiver/cornerback Travis Hunter was excited before his preseason debut.
Jacksonville Jaguars rookie wide receiver/cornerback Travis Hunter was excited before his preseason debut. / Corey Perrine/Florida Times-Union / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images
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Travis Hunter is ready to go.

As the No. 2 pick from the 2025 NFL draft warmed up prior to the Jaguars' preseason opener against the Steelers, he turned to the camera and excitedly said, "Time to go to work."

Hunter's preseason debut is one of the most anticipated by a rookie in years. His ability to play regularly on both sides of the ball is something that hasn't been seen in the NFL in over 60 years. Hunter's debut will also give greater insight into how the Jaguars plan to use him on each side of the ball.

The Jaguars surrendered a lot to land Hunter during the draft. Jacksonville sent the Browns the fifth, 36th, and 126th overall picks in the 2025 draft, plus its 2026 first-rounder, in exchange for the No. 2 pick, plus the 104th and 200th overall selections. It was a lot to move up a few spots, but Hunter may prove worth the gamble.

The reigning Hesiman Trophy winner is set to finally make his NFL debut.

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Ryan Phillips
RYAN PHILLIPS

Ryan Phillips is a senior writer on the Breaking and Trending News team at Sports Illustrated. He has worked in digital media since 2009, spending eight years at The Big Lead before joining SI in 2024. Phillips also co-hosts The Assembly Call Podcast about Indiana Hoosiers basketball and previously worked at Bleacher Report. He is a proud San Diego native and a graduate of Indiana University’s journalism program.

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