JACKSONVILLE – Jaguars experts – Frank Frangie, Brent Martineau, John Oehser, Brian Sexton, J.P. Shadrick, Mark Duffner, Austen Lane and Kainani Stevens – are breaking down the Jaguars as the 2026 NFL season approaches; today: a look at what the “experts” expect from WR/CB Travis Hunter entering the ’26 season:

John Oehser, jaguars.com senior writer

What I expect from WR/CB Travis Hunter in 2026: A double-sided star turn. Hunter, the No. 2 overall selection in the 2025 NFL Draft, missed the last 10 regular-season games last season with a knee injury that also kept him from practicing in the ’26 offseason program. That means he remains something of a mystery entering ’26, with analysts and fans debating how much he will play and where. Best guess here? Hunter will play extensively in a starting role defensively and emerge as one of the NFL’s best young cornerbacks while playing a significant role as a receiver – particularly in third-down and three-receiver situations. He might be the team’s most dangerous player when he touches the ball offensively and the Jaguars won’t ignore that.

Mark Duffner, former longtime NFL/Jaguars assistant coach and Jaguars Media Analyst

What I expect from WR/CB Travis Hunter in 2026: A great deal, whether on defense or offense. He is an elite athlete who showed a lot of flash last season. He has “big-play” ability and deserves the opponents’ attention. He must stay healthy.

Frank Frangie, Radio Voice of the Jaguars

What I expect from WR/CB Travis Hunter in 2026: To be healthy – and to be chomping at the bit to play. My guess — and it’s only a guess — is he will start at cornerback, and be good. And that he will be used as a receiver in certain situations, and be good.

Austen Lane, former Jaguars defensive end and Jaguars Media Analyst

What I expect from WR/CB Travis Hunter in 2026: How many times did we watch the Jaguars during the second half of the ’25 season and say, “Man, I wish we had Travis Hunter on offense?” How many times did we say, “Man, I wish we had Travis Hunter on defense?” I expect the lion’s share (unicorn’s share) of his snaps in ’26 to come on defense. With a loaded wide receiver room featuring Jakobi Meyers, Parker Washington and the deep threat that is Brian Thomas Jr., you already feel comfortable about the talent there. That’s not to say Hunter won’t have specially designed packages on offense, but I expect him to cement himself as a lockdown corner.

Brent Martineau, Action Sports Jax Sports Director

What I expect from WR/CB Travis Hunter in 2026: Instant success on defense. It’s a natural position; he’s a gifted player and can be a star on that side of the ball. I expect him to match up with the other team’s best receiver. I do think Hunter will impact the Jaguars on offense, but my expectation level is lower. I think he will have moments, but I’m not relying on a specific stat line for Hunter on offense game in and game out.