Travis Hunter-Shedeur Sanders showdown highlights Week 1 NFL slate
TL;DR
The 2026 NFL schedule features a notable Week 1 matchup between the Cleveland Browns and Jacksonville Jaguars, highlighting the first NFL showdown between former college teammates Shedeur Sanders and Travis Hunter.
Key points
- 2026 NFL schedule includes a Browns vs. Jaguars matchup
- Shedeur Sanders and Travis Hunter were college teammates
- Both players had significant college achievements
The full 2026 NFL schedule dropped earlier this week, and there are plenty of intriguing matchups awaiting NFL fans next season, and one of those is a particularly juicy battle between two former collegiate teammates and current top NFL stars in Week 1 of the season.
That showdown comes in the form of the Cleveland Browns making a Week 1 trip to square off with the Jacksonville Jaguars, which sets up a prime opportunity for Cleveland quarterback Shedeur Sanders and Jacksonville cornerback Travis Hunter to face off for the first time since the two players made it to the NFL.
Hunter and Sanders were teammates for three seasons at the NCAA level, first joining forces at the FCS program Jackson State to play for Sanders' father, Deion Sanders. After the Tigers finished 12-1 in their first season together (following an 11-2 effort during Shedeur's freshman season with the program), Deion Sanders was offered the head coaching role at the FBS program Colorado.
For the Buffaloes, Hunter and Sanders helped turn the program around from a 1-11 record the year before their arrival to a 4-8 record in their first season and a 9-4 record in their second season, with Shedeur earning Big 12 Offensive Player of the Year honors, Hunter being named Big 12 Defensive Player of the Year, and winning the Heisman Trophy.
Last season, Hunter started seven games for the Jaguars before his season ended due to injury, while Sanders started the season as a backup before eventually making seven starts for the Browns. With Deshaun Watson returning from injury for the Browns, it's unknown whether Sanders will be the starter this season for the franchise. But if he lands the job, he'll likely be staring down his former teammate in the secondary in an intriguing match-up.
This article originally appeared on Touchdown Wire: Travis Hunter-Shedeur Sanders showdown highlights Week 1 NFL slate
Q&A
What teams are playing in Week 1 of the 2026 NFL season?
The Cleveland Browns will face the Jacksonville Jaguars in Week 1 of the 2026 NFL season.
Who are Shedeur Sanders and Travis Hunter?
Shedeur Sanders is the quarterback for the Cleveland Browns, and Travis Hunter is the cornerback for the Jacksonville Jaguars, both former teammates at Jackson State.
What were the college achievements of Shedeur Sanders and Travis Hunter?
Shedeur Sanders was named Big 12 Offensive Player of the Year, while Travis Hunter earned Big 12 Defensive Player of the Year honors and won the Heisman Trophy.
