Travis Hunter finally played in an NFL game on Saturday night. Granted, it is the preseason, but he still got the chance to debut on both sides of the ball against the Steelers on his home field.
Throughout the draft process, the conversation around Hunter has been about which position he will play. He had been adamant that he didn’t want to play for a franchise that didn’t allow him to be used as both a wide receiver and a cornerback. Jacksonville drafted him with the No. 2 overall pick in the 2025 NFL Draft and has assured him he will get the chance to play both ways.
While nobody doubts his ability to play both sides like he did in college, many have questioned how many total snaps he will be able to play. Hunter’s first chance of NFL speed comes on Saturday as he and the Jaguars take on the Steelers, and he will get a taste of what he can handle at the next level.
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Here is more on Hunter’s snap count in his first preseason game.
MORE: Where Travis Hunter falls on Jacksonville’s offensive, defensive depth charts
Hunter’s snap count vs. Steelers
The announcers on the Jacksonville broadcast said that they expect Hunter to play 10 snaps on offense and 10 on defense in the game.
Offense: 11 snaps
Hunter’s first snap on offense was underwhelming. His teammate on the offensive line got flagged for a false start. Trevor Lawrence completed a pass, but not to Hunter, and then the Jaguars ran the ball. On his fourth snap, Hunter got sent in motion, and Lawrence found him for a three-yard gain for his first reception.
Jacksonville went for it and got it, but Hunter was used as a blocker. After the play, Hunter subbed out for the first time.
After another first down, Hunter returned to the game and helped block on his sixth snap. Hunter ran a deep route, but it was a screen pass, so he wasn’t targeted.
Hunter then got a screen pass to the left and picked up seven yards. There was a flag on the play for an illegal block in the back, so it didn’t count. He wasn’t targeted on his ninth or 10th snaps, but Trevor Lawrence hit Hunter on an underneath route for a six-yard gain on his final offensive snap of the night.
Defense: 8 snaps
Hunter started the first defensive drive on the sideline, getting water. In fact, he didn’t play a snap on defense as the Steelers drove the field and scored a touchdown.
Hunter joined the defense on the Steelers’ second offensive drive. On his second snap, he had a chance to get his first tackle, but Steelers’ RB Kaleb Johnson made him miss. Hunter’s first defensive drive ended with no tackles on five snaps.
Hunter was back out for another defensive drive on the Steelers’ next possession, which was a three-and-out. Pittsburgh did not throw at a receiver that Hunter was covering.
The rookie didn’t go back out for the team’s final defensive stand of the first half, ending his night on both sides of the ball. He finished two snaps shy of what they wanted for him on defense, but that is just because of the way the game played out.
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Travis Hunter stats vs. Steelers
- Targets: 2
- Receptions: 2
- Receiving Yards: 9 yards
- Receiving Touchdowns: 0
- Tackles: 0
- Pass Break Ups: 0
- INTs: 0
Overall, it was a solid debut for Hunter, who looked smooth and comfortable on both sides of the ball. He ran crisp routes, showed good separation and hands on his targets, and was a physical downfield blocker at times.
He was just as sharp in coverage, blanketing his assignments. His missed tackle was his only blemish of the night, but that’s hardly going to make Jaguars’ coaches regret drafting him No. 2 overall — or playing him on both sides of the ball.
Can he remain as effective over the course of a full regular-season game? Only time will tell. For now, Hunter passed his first test with flying colors.
MORE NFL: Jalen Milroe shows off dual-threat ability in preseason debut for Seahawks
Travis Hunter highlights vs. Steelers
Hunter warming up for the game on both offense and defense.
Travis Hunter warming up on defense
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Travis Hunter warming up on offenseStream PITvsJAX — 7pm ET on @NFLPlus pic.twitter.com/buXxLEVfPu
— NFL (@NFL) August 9, 2025
Hunter got his first reception on his first drive.
Travis Hunter makes his first catch of the preseason 👀
Stream on @NFLPlus pic.twitter.com/9IxLyHoJKS
— NFL (@NFL) August 9, 2025
Hunter missed a tackle on his first defensive drive, something he can definitely clean up in the future.
Travis hunter just got his head dribbled on the in his floor first drive of defense😭😭😭😭😭☠️☠️☠️☠️ pic.twitter.com/Ftb98mDDwW
— James (@jamescarr250) August 9, 2025
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