Jaguars Keep Travis Hunter Defense First Plan in 2026 Season

The Jacksonville Jaguars are maintaining a defense-focused role for Travis Hunter in the 2026 NFL season after the cornerback delivered a career performance in a 22-17 win over the Cincinnati Bengals. Hunter played a career-high 76 defensive snaps in the game and has become a key part of one of the league's top units.

According to USA Today, Jacksonville's defense entered the season's early stretch leading the NFL with eight takeaways, including six interceptions. Hunter recorded his first career interception with the Jaguars against the New England Patriots in Week 3.

Hunter, the No. 2 overall pick in the 2025 draft, has seen his workload shift significantly after an injury-shortened rookie season. According to Jacksonville.com, he played 74% of defensive snaps in 2026 while receiving only 6% of offensive snaps through the first four games.

Jaguars coach Liam Coen has continued to support the team's plan to prioritize Hunter's defensive development while leaving open the possibility of more offensive opportunities later.

"Look at the last two weeks, what he's been able to do while we stay firm on the plan," said Liam Coen, Jaguars head coach.

Coen said the recent performances reinforced the team's approach as Hunter became more comfortable in Jacksonville's defensive system.

"And so, will it come? Absolutely," said Liam Coen, Jaguars head coach.

Hunter's defensive improvement was highlighted after the Bengals game, where a would-be interception return showed his ability with the ball even though the play was overturned because of a teammate's penalty.

"I thought overall that was Travis' best game," said Anthony Campanile, Jaguars defensive coordinator.

Campanile credited Hunter's progress to stronger fundamentals, better understanding of the scheme and additional work with defensive pass game coordinator Mat Araujo.

"And him knowing the system and being more comfortable, obviously like anything else, the more you play, the more comfortable you are," said Anthony Campanile, Jaguars defensive coordinator.

Hunter also showed physical improvement against Cincinnati, making four tackles and recording two pass breakups while limiting the Bengals' passing attack.

"That was great to see, too. I'm excited for him really in every facet," said Anthony Campanile, Jaguars defensive coordinator.

Hunter has remained focused on team success rather than his individual role. He previously played both offense and defense during his college career at Colorado under Deion Sanders and won the 2024 Heisman Trophy.

"We got more to prove," said Travis Hunter, Jaguars cornerback and wide receiver.

Teammates have also noticed Hunter's confidence after his move toward a full-time defensive role. Safety Antonio Johnson said Hunter's ability to create plays with the ball was expected because of his background as a receiver.

"He's a dynamic ball player, especially when the ball's in his hands," said Antonio Johnson, Jaguars safety.

Johnson added that Hunter's return from his knee injury has restored confidence inside the team.

"I feel like he came into the year confident, and we had the confidence in him to come back and be the same player that he was before his injury," said Antonio Johnson, Jaguars safety.

Hunter's called-back interception against Cincinnati drew attention because of his athletic return, but the play also reflected the defensive growth Jacksonville expected when drafting him.

"He's right," said Travis Hunter, Jaguars cornerback and wide receiver.

Hunter said his priority remains helping Jacksonville win and that playing time totals are not his main concern.

"Snaps is not a number for me. It's nothing to me. I played 160 in college," said Travis Hunter, Jaguars cornerback and wide receiver.

Jacksonville prepared for its next matchup against Philadelphia with Hunter continuing to build experience as a primary defender.

"Just these last two games, just me being able to trust in my coach, trusting the technique, and trusting the scheme that we got going and just continue to play is pretty much all I look forward to," said Travis Hunter, Jaguars cornerback and wide receiver.

Defensive coordinator Anthony Campanile also discussed the influence of Eagles defensive coordinator Vic Fangio, whom he worked with in Miami in 2023.

"He's one of the best coaches I've ever been around in my life," said Anthony Campanile, Jaguars defensive coordinator.

Campanile described Fangio as an important influence on his coaching career and Jacksonville's preparation for Philadelphia.

"He's meant a ton to me. He's had an incredible impact on me," said Anthony Campanile, Jaguars defensive coordinator.

Jacksonville offensive coordinator Grant Udinski said familiarity with Campanile's defense helps the team prepare for different defensive systems around the league.

"Things are simple for them and complicated for us to attack," said Grant Udinski, Jaguars offensive coordinator.