The buzz around Travis Hunter has faded fast. Nine games into his NFL career, the former Heisman Trophy winner is already hearing the dreaded 'bust' label, and a surprising number of fans are pointing fingers at his college coach, Deion Sanders.
Hunter, selected No. 2 overall by the Jacksonville Jaguars in the 2025 NFL Draft, was supposed to be a generational two-way talent. The Jags traded up to grab him, convinced he could change games on both sides of the ball, just as he did at Colorado. But through two games of his sophomore season, the production simply isn't there.
As a rookie, Hunter hauled in 28 catches for 298 yards and a touchdown. This year, he's managed just one reception for eight yards. On Sunday's loss to Denver, he was on the field for only 37 defensive snaps (60%) and a mere seven offensive snaps (11.7%).
Hunter, ever the professional, downplayed the workload. 'My job is to go out there and play, no matter when they put me out there,' he said after the game.
But fans aren't buying it. Social media is buzzing with 'bust' accusations, and many are laying the blame squarely at Sanders' feet. The argument? Coach Prime sold Hunter as a revolutionary two-way player, inflating expectations and perhaps steering him away from what could have been a more natural path to stardom as a lockdown cornerback with occasional offensive cameos.
Jason Whitlock, the outspoken sports commentator, didn't mince words: 'Say it with me. Travis Hunter is a bust. He's a good kid. Deion sold him as a 2-way player and making history…. instead of selling him as ‘go be a shutdown corner’ and maybe play a handful of offensive snaps.'
It's a fair point. Sanders, who has faced his own share of scrutiny lately—from a rough night in Evanston to controversial comments after a blowout win—has always championed Hunter's dual-threat ability. But the NFL is a different beast, and the Jaguars are still figuring out how to deploy him effectively.
Is it too early to call Hunter a bust? Absolutely. Nine games is a tiny sample size, and his defensive play has been solid. But the pressure is mounting, and the comparisons to Sanders' own legacy as a two-way star only add to the weight.
For now, the Jaguars have a puzzle to solve. Hunter's talent is undeniable, but whether he can live up to the unprecedented hype—and whether Sanders' vision for him was ever realistic—remains to be seen. As the season unfolds, all eyes will be on Jacksonville to see if they can unlock the potential that made Hunter a once-in-a-generation prospect.
