Urban Meyer is a legendary figure among college football coaches. At every stop, he left an indelible mark on fans and programs alike. His work in the FBS made him the winningest coach in the Division’s history.
After a dominant career — including a national championship run with Ohio State — Meyer built a strong case for eventual induction into the College Football Hall of Fame. Now, as the 2025 NFL Draft approaches, he’s weighing in on the top prospects. And one name stands out.
Urban Meyer Endorses Travis Hunter
The debate over Travis Hunter continues. Despite winning the Heisman Trophy, the Colorado star isn’t getting unanimous praise. His ability to play both cornerback and wide receiver was a defining trait in college, but many question whether that role will translate to the NFL.
Meyer, one of the most respected coaching minds in college football, has no doubts. Speaking on “The Herd with Colin Cowherd,” he had high praise for Hunter.
“It’d be hard for me not to take Travis Hunter with that first pick,” Meyer said. “I love that guy. I think he is a once-in-a-generation, once-in-a-lifetime player. He can do things that I’ve not seen people do. His stamina, the quality of kid … I’ve done some homework on him — we covered him a few times. He’s big.”
"I'd play him both ways" 👀@CoachUrbanMeyer to @ColinCowherd on Travis Hunter pic.twitter.com/tO5AFuUp8V
— Herd w/Colin Cowherd (@TheHerd) March 11, 2025
When asked if he should play WR, CB, or both, Meyer didn’t hesitate.
“I would never say this, other than that guy: I’d play him both ways,” Meyer said. “On the 160th play of the game, he’s blocking guys 25-30 yards downfield. I know it’s college, and I get that. In my lifetime, I’ve not seen a guy do that.”
Hunter has been steadfast in his belief he can play both ways in the NFL. While it remains to be seen if he will be effective or if he even gets a chance, the idea is gaining traction. At Colorado, he played more than 84% of the team’s total snaps in 2024.
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That number may not be as high in the pros, but it could still be significant compared to most corners or receivers. In his final season, he totaled 1,258 yards and 15 touchdowns as a receiver while also tallying 35 total tackles and four interceptions on defense.
The talent is certainly there. Meyer believes in him. Now, it’s all about execution.
Travis Kelce Chimes In on Hunter’s 2-Way Viability
While many former players like Shannon Sharpe and Chad Johnson have pushed back on the notion that Hunter can play on both sides of the ball in the NFL, not everyone is a doubter. Kansas City Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce, a three-time Super Bowl champion, joined in on the discussion with words of support.
“It’s 100% possible. He’s gonna have to prove that he can do it. Nobody has ever played every single play on both sides,” Kelce said on an episode of his podcast “New Heights.”
However, Kelce thinks Hunter will need limits to avoid burnout. “In the NFL, they’ll have to scheme up around him getting too exhausted.”
As for which side he thinks Hunter best belongs — another point of contention, with even the Tennessee Titans and Cleveland Browns disagreeing on where his best fit is — Kelce had a take on that as well.
“I think it’s easier for him to be on the field all the time as a defensive player. And then, offensively, coming in on certain plays.”
Could Hunter Go No. 1 Overall?
While it seems like the consensus opinion has gravitated toward either QB Cam Ward of Miami (FL) or EDGE Abdul Carter of Penn State going No. 1 overall to Tennessee, it’s not unrealistic that the Titans could look Hunter’s way.
With Hunter potentially providing a cornerstone piece on both offense and defense, the Titans could view Hunter as the type of “generational” prospect they do not want to pass up.
Hunter would potentially be able to start on both sides of the ball, with Tennessee losing Nick Westbrook-Ikhine and staring down a WR trio of Calvin Ridley, Van Jefferson, and Treylon Burks to start the year. On the other side, key trade acquisition L’Jarius Sneed struggled in 2024, and Jarvis Brownlee Jr. could be the starter opposite him.
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Tennessee finished the 2024 season with the ninth-best yards-per-pass-attempt defense in the NFL (6.4) but was 22nd in PFSN’s Defense+ metric (70.2, C-); on offense, they were 20th in yards per pass attempt (6.8) and 27th in PFSN’s Offense+ metric (64.8, D). Hunter could help improve both units at the same time.
While anything could happen, it still seems more likely that Carter or Ward go at the top of the NFL Draft, especially when considering the Titans could trade down and still get Hunter if a team like the New York Giants is desperate to get up to No. 1 to draft the signal caller of their choice. But with Hunter’s unprecedented talent, athleticism, knowledge, and two-way ability, there are worse decisions to make than drafting Hunter.