Ted Hurst Scouting Report | Georgia State WR | 2026 NFL Draft

Player Snapshot

School: Georgia State
Position: Wide Receiver
Height / Weight: 6’3” / 195 lbs
Class: Senior
Hometown: Savannah, Georgia

Ted Hurst is a long, physical boundary receiver with the size and catch-point ability to project as an outside target in the NFL. A former Division II standout who transferred to Georgia State, he developed into the Panthers’ top receiving threat and produced consecutive high-level seasons. His combination of length, reliable hands, and vertical speed profiles best as a possession and red-zone receiver with mid-round draft value.

Player Background & Production

Hurst began his collegiate career at Valdosta State before transferring to Georgia State, where he quickly emerged as a primary offensive weapon. The move to the FBS level did not slow his production, as he immediately became the Panthers’ top target in the passing game.

His breakout season came in 2024 when he recorded 56 receptions for 961 yards and nine touchdowns, setting a school single-season record for receiving touchdowns. The following year he continued to lead the offense, finishing with 71 receptions for 1,004 yards and six touchdowns while ranking among the nation’s top receivers in yards and receptions per game.

Hurst’s production against varied competition helped elevate his draft stock, especially after strong showings during the pre-draft process. His Senior Bowl invitation and productive combine performance further reinforced his case as one of the top Group-of-Five receivers in the 2026 class.

Strengths

Contested Catch Ability: Hurst excels in tight coverage situations. His size and strong hands allow him to secure passes through contact and win in traffic. He consistently tracks the football well and uses his frame to shield defenders at the catch point, making him a reliable target in contested situations.

Catch Radius & Ball Tracking: His length creates a wide catch radius that quarterbacks can trust. Hurst adjusts smoothly to off-target throws and tracks vertical passes effectively over his shoulder. This skill set allows him to function as a dependable downfield option.

Physicality at the Catch Point: Hurst plays with a physical style that translates well to boundary assignments. He attacks the football aggressively and uses his body to box out defenders. That ability makes him particularly effective in red-zone situations and along the sideline.

Intermediate Route Utility: He shows comfort working slants, digs, and back-shoulder routes. Hurst understands how to use leverage and positioning to create windows for the quarterback. His ability to operate in timing-based passing concepts supports chain-moving production.

Competitive Play Style: Hurst competes as both a receiver and blocker. His willingness to engage defenders and contribute in the run game adds situational value, particularly for teams that demand physical perimeter blocking from their wideouts.

Areas for Improvement

Separation Against Man Coverage: Hurst can struggle to consistently create separation against athletic defensive backs. His route breaks are not always sudden, which allows defenders to stay attached through transitions.

Route Tree Development: While effective on slants, vertical routes, and back-shoulder throws, his route tree remains somewhat limited. Expanding his route diversity will help him become a more complete receiver at the next level.

Consistency at the Catch Point: Despite strong contested-catch traits, Hurst occasionally fails to fully utilize his size advantage. At times he allows smaller defenders to compete for the football rather than consistently playing above the rim.

Short-Area Burst: Hurst is more of a stride-speed receiver than an explosive accelerator. He can struggle to generate sudden separation in short-area routes, which may limit slot versatility.

Film Traits & Measurables

• Physical Frame: Tall, lean boundary receiver with long arms and strong catch radius
• Athletic Profile: Smooth long-strider with build-up speed and vertical acceleration
• Alignment Usage: Primarily outside receiver with vertical and intermediate route usage
• Play Style: Physical possession receiver who wins through body positioning and ball skills
• Pre-Draft Testing: 4.42 40-yard dash at the NFL Scouting Combine.

Draft Projection & NFL Fit

Hurst projects as a mid-round selection in the 2026 NFL Draft, likely falling in the third- to fifth-round range. His production, size, and strong pre-draft performances have elevated him from under-the-radar prospect to a legitimate Day 2 or early Day 3 candidate.

His best fit is as a boundary receiver in offenses that emphasize play-action and vertical concepts. Systems that utilize back-shoulder throws and contested-catch opportunities can maximize his strengths. He also offers value in red-zone packages due to his size and ball-tracking ability.

Early in his NFL career, Hurst should compete for a rotational outside receiver role while contributing on special teams. With development in route separation and route-tree diversity, he has the potential to grow into a reliable WR3.

Summary

Ted Hurst is a productive, physically imposing receiver who rose from Division II football to become one of the Sun Belt’s most effective pass catchers. His size, catch-point ability, and consistent production make him an intriguing mid-round option for teams seeking a developmental boundary receiver. While improvements in separation and route refinement will be important for his long-term ceiling, his combination of physical tools and production gives him clear NFL potential.

More Reports:

• Zion Young
• Brandon Cisse
• J.C. Davis