‘Just Became a Top 5 WR’ — NFL Fans React to Travis Hunter’s New Look Ahead of Jaguars’ Season Opener

Only hours before his NFL debut, Travis Hunter showed up at Jacksonville’s season opener looking so different that fans were unsure if it was iconic or a disaster.

The 22-year-old, the No. 2 pick in the 2025 NFL Draft, showed up at EverBank Stadium ahead of Sunday’s season opener against the Carolina Panthers with a brand new look. His signature braids, which had become a key part of his identity, were no longer there.

Fans Compliment Travis Hunter After a Haircut

As soon as the video of Hunter’s new look hit, fans lit up with reactions. Many saw the haircut as a sign that the rookie was ready to take on a bigger role in the NFL spotlight.

A fan wrote, “I can’t explain it but he just became a Top 5 WR in the league.”

I can’t explain it but he just became a Top 5 WR in the league

— Jacoby (@JacobyFC) September 7, 2025

Another fan added that the new look gave Hunter a different vibe, saying, “He looks drama free now.”

He looks drama free now

— Digital World (@crypticworld7) September 7, 2025

While one was more enthusiastic, adding, “Fresh cut for a fresh start! Hunter’s ready to ball!”

Fresh cut for a fresh start! Hunter’s ready to ball!

— ℜ𝔢𝔭𝔩𝔶𝔇𝔢𝔪𝔬𝔫 💬😈 (@JoaquinMQ7) September 7, 2025

Not every reaction was positive, though. One fan bluntly said, “Omg it’s terrible lol,”

Omg it’s terrible lol

— Nna Mmadu👨🏾‍🍼 (@_IKENNA_) September 7, 2025

While another joked about his gear, writing, “Ummmm is his helmet going to fit”.

Ummmm is his helmet going to fit 😅

— Daniel Mathews (@Mr_IVIoNoPoLY18) September 7, 2025

For some, Hunter’s accessory choices stood out as much as his cut, with one fan teasing, “Cut the long hair but added a purse…”

Coming from Colorado, he was more than just a 2024 Heisman Trophy winner; he was a rare two-way star who thrived as both a wide receiver and cornerback.

A few months after marrying his longtime girlfriend, Leanna Lenee, and sharing the news of their first child’s arrival in a YouTube video titled “Dear Son…”, Hunter walked into the stadium looking like a whole new person. His long braids were history, swapped out for a short haircut that fans said gave off some serious “WR1 vibes.”

ESPN’s Adam Schefter reported earlier in the week that the Jaguars plan to use Hunter as an “every-down wide receiver and situational corner” in Week 1.

Head coach Liam Coen added Friday that the team’s plan for Hunter’s workload remains fluid. “We’re going to have to figure it out,” Coen told reporters. “We’ll come up with that plan over the next 24 hours in terms of, alright, what are the exact maybe numbers we want to hit on both sides or usage?”

As per Schefter, the Jaguars are counting on Hunter to be a key player on offense right from the beginning, but he’ll also step in at cornerback when necessary.

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If he pulls it off, he’d be the first player in league history to play offense and defense for a whole season. Since 1980, just three players have managed to play both positions in the same game: Deion Sanders in 1996, Champ Bailey in 2000, and Antonio Cromartie in 2012.