The Jaguars kick off a new era in June 2025 as rookie Travis Hunter dazzles at minicamp. See how the two-way star and coach Liam Coen are resetting the culture.
StatPro NFL Beat Reporter
The Jacksonville Jaguars officially turned the page on Wednesday, opening the doors to Miller Electric Center for the first public minicamp under a completely revamped leadership structure. Fans got their first look at new head coach Liam Coen's squad, but all eyes were on one man: Heisman-winning, two-way phenom Travis Hunter, whose electric debut signaled a palpable shift in energy for a franchise desperate for a fresh start.
After a disastrous 5-18 stretch following a promising 8-3 start in 2023, the winds of change are finally blowing through Jacksonville.
The hype was immense, and Travis Hunter did not disappoint. The top draft pick, for whom the Jags traded up, was the star of the show. Lining up at both cornerback and wide receiver, Hunter showcased the freakish athleticism that made him a college football legend. Head coach Liam Coen has been clear about his intent to use Hunter's versatile skill set, and drills on Wednesday saw the rookie making fluid plays on both sides of the ball. The buzz from the crowd every time he touched the football was a clear indicator that fans are ready to embrace their new superstar.
This minicamp is the first tangible result of a massive organizational overhaul. Owner Shad Khan cleaned house after a collapse that saw the team go 5-18, firing coach Doug Pederson and GM Trent Baalke. The new brain trust of GM James Gladstone, coach Liam Coen, and franchise icon Tony Boselli as EVP of Football Operations is tasked with a total culture reset. Wednesday's practice felt more disciplined and focused, a clear attempt by the new regime to instill a new standard of accountability from day one.
While the rookies and new faces garnered attention, the veterans are embracing the changes. Running back Travis Etienne Jr., expected to be a centerpiece of Coen's offense, told the media he's focused on 'controlling what he can control' and improving daily. His comments reflect a renewed sense of individual accountability that the coaching staff hopes will permeate the locker room. For this rebuild to work, it will take more than just exciting rookies; it requires buy-in from established leaders like Etienne.
Wednesday was just a glimpse, but it was a promising one. The real tests lie ahead in the sweltering heat of training camp and the unforgiving grind of the regular season. For now, however, fans can leave Miller Electric Center with a renewed sense of optimism. The pieces are in place, the energy is palpable, and for the first time in a while, it feels like a new day is dawning in Duval.
