Georgia State WR Ted Hurst selected 84th overall by Tampa Bay Buccaneers at 2026 NFL Draft

Nov 1, 2024; East Hartford, Connecticut, USA; Georgia State Panthers wide receiver Ted Hurst (16) makes a touchdown catch against the Connecticut Huskies in the second quarter at Rentschler Field at Pratt & Whitney Stadium. Mandatory Credit: David Butler II-Imagn Images | David Butler II-Imagn Images

Sun Belt representation finally struck the 2026 NFL Draft in the third round.

At pick No. 84, Georgia State wide receiver Ted Hurst landed to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Hurst set a new program record for earliest draft pick in the 16-year history of the program, landing 105 picks before the previous record holder in Christo Bilukidi (189th overall pick in 2012).

When Hurst’s name was called on stage in Pittsburgh on Friday night, the Sun Belt officially matched its 2025 NFL Draft output by producing a single prospect.

Hurst arrived at Georgia State by way of Division II. The Augusta, GA native originally mastered his game at Valdosta State where he logged over 1,000 yards for the D2 power. He immediately ascended into a No. 1 option upon arriving at Georgia State in 2024, collecting 961 yards and nine touchdowns on 56 receptions as a Second Team All-Sun Belt honoree. In 2025, Hurst pushed the boundaries of his capabilities with 1,004 yards on 71 receptions — concluding his career as a First Team All-Sun Belt pick. He was one of 22 FBS receivers to cross the millennium mark last fall, and his 2025 campaign featured the second-most receptions and fifth-most receiving yards in Georgia State history.

Of the 319 NFL Combine selections, Hurst was the only one to hail from the Sun Belt. He capitalized on the opportunity, particularly impressing in the 40-yard dash and broad jump drills.