The 2025 NFL season hasn’t even officially begun, and excitement is already pulsing through the veins of football fans across the country. For the Pittsburgh Steelers, the buzz is more than just preseason anticipation—it’s a deep, proud sense of urgency.
When the Steelers’ full schedule dropped earlier this offseason, one date got circled more than most: August 9th. That’s when Mike Tomlin’s squad kicks off its preseason slate against the Jacksonville Jaguars—a matchup that may not count in the standings, but certainly is meaningful.
For Pittsburgh’s defense, it’s more than just a warm-up. It’s a chance to take the field against one of the most talked-about rookies in recent memory: Travis Hunter.
Hunter, the No. 2 overall pick in the 2025 NFL Draft, is already being hailed as a generational talent.
And for good reason.
His time at Colorado was nothing short of historic—1,979 receiving yards, 20 touchdowns, and a Heisman-worthy average of 90 yards per game. But what really makes Hunter unique is his two-way ability.
Yes, Hunter will see reps on both offense and defense for the Jaguars this Saturday, a plan Jacksonville confirmed earlier this week.
That alone is unprecedented. It’s been decades since we’ve seen a player attempt something like this in the NFL, and certainly not in their debut. But as exciting as that sounds, it’s also a tall, brutal ask—especially against a Pittsburgh defense built on physicality, depth, and pride.
The Pittsburgh Steelers must build momtentum by shutting downTravis Hunter
While veterans like Jalen Ramsey and Darius Slay—two of the Steelers’ flashiest offseason additions—aren’t likely to log many snaps, the younger guys are licking their chops.
Cory Trice Jr., James Pierre, and Brandin Echols all have a golden opportunity: not just to prove their worth in a competitive cornerback room, but to make life miserable for the league’s most high-profile rookie.
This isn’t just about slowing Travis Hunter down. It’s about setting a tone—for him, and the Steelers’ season.
If Pittsburgh can make Hunter look human under the lights, they can rattle his confidence before it ever really starts. If they can jam him, hit him, and force mistakes on both sides of the ball, it sends a message: welcome to the NFL, kid—it’s not the PAC-12 anymore.
That doesn’t mean it’ll be easy. Hunter’s talent is undeniable. But this Steelers defense, even in a preseason setting, is built to test elite athletes. The pressure, the tempo, the physicality—it’s not something a player can fully prepare for until they feel it.
I’m not expecting a flawless performance from Pittsburgh’s defense. But I do expect urgency and grit.
I expect more than one Steeler to take this opportunity personally. Because turning a two-way sensation into a one-dimensional non-factor? That’s the kind of moment that sticks.
Saturday night could be Travis Hunter’s coming-out party—or it could be the night Pittsburgh introduces him to the NFL with a welcome he won’t forget.