This profile will be for one of the more interesting prospects in the 2026 NFL Draft. Ted Hurst, the talented wide receiver from Georgia State, opted to stay at the lesser-known program after entering the transfer portal in 2025. A rare win in the NIL Era of college sports. This decision and the ensuing season he had proved to be a worthwhile one for Hurst, as he’s since become a name to watch for this year’s draft. On the LWOS Big Board, he ranks as the WR17 and the 116th player overall.
Ted Hurst 2026 NFL Draft Profile
Measurables*
Height: 6’3 2/8″
Weight: 207
Arm Length: 33 2/8″
Hand Size: 9 5/8″
*All confirmed at the 2026 Senior Bowl
Player Background
Ted Hurst was a zero-star recruit out of Johnson High School in Savannah, GA. Because he wasn’t ranked highly, he ended up committing to Valdosta State University to play football. This is a Division II program located in Valdosta, GA. Hurst made the most of the opportunity to play, racking up 60 catches, 1,027 yards, and 10 touchdowns across his two seasons with the school (2022 and 2023). Following this success, Hurst’s name was finally out there. He entered the transfer portal as a three-star and committed to Georgia State University. Once again, Hurst made his presence felt immediately. In 2024, he had a total of 56 catches, 961 yards, and a school-record 9 touchdowns. From this, he earned Second Team All-Sun Belt honors.
Going into the 2025 season, Ted Hurst was named to Bruce Feldman’s famed “Freaks” list, putting his name on the map even more. He continued his high level of production in 2025 as well, totaling 71 catches, 999 yards, and 6 more touchdowns. Following this season, Ted Hurst entered the top 5 of just about every receiving category in program history. Subsequently, he was named to the First Team All-Sun Belt for his efforts. He capped off the season with an invite to the Senior Bowl.
Strengths
Prototypical size for an outside wide receiver
Fluid mover for his size
Real deep threat ability, showed ability to gain leverage on CB’s off the release
Exceptionally strong hands in contested catch scenarios – weapon on the goal line fade because of this
Very good at adjusting to the ball while it’s in the air
Incredible burst after catching the ball in open space, good at creating yards after the catch
Impressive at Senior Bowl
Weaknesses
Despite the “strong hands” label, he has an issue with concentration drops (13 in career at Georgia State)
Run blocking needs work
Will need to adapt to NFL play as he was rarely jammed off the line in college – best fitted for a coordinator that can get him open releases early in his career
Player Comparison:George Pickens
Projected Draft Capital: Day 2
Team Fits:New Orleans Saints, Baltimore Ravens, Los Angeles Rams
Last Word on Ted Hurst in the 2026 NFL Draft
Ted Hurst is a very unique prospect for today’s NFL. Nowadays, the more physical archetype of wideouts, a bucket that Hurst certainly falls into, is rather scarce when considering the elite talent at the position. When thinking of the top wide receivers in football, the mind often goes to players like Justin Jefferson, Ja’Marr Chase, and recently Jaxon Smith-Njigba, who is the reigning OPOY. These three players are all 6’1″ or under. In fact, out of the top 10 players in receiving yards during the 2025 regular season, only 2 of them were 6’3″ or taller – George Pickens and Nico Collins. This shifting perspective puts Hurst at a disadvantage. Hurst has battled adversity before, though, so it should surprise nobody if he figures out the NFL.
Ted Hurst is a player who will have to be coached up. His raw talent as a pass catcher is undeniable, and something coaches will want to tap into. He’s a downright incredible contested catcher and has an innate ability to track the ball well downfield. He’s also a weapon after the catch because of his acceleration. However, he lacks the nuance needed to win consistently in the NFL right now. He was rarely challenged by corners in college, as it was probably clear to defensive coordinators that if he got behind the defense, it was over. He’ll have to learn how to be as physical at the line as he is at the catchpoint in order to level up in the NFL. This is why the Rams fit is so fascinating. Who better to learn from than Davante Adams and the offensive infrastructure in LA? Hurst will be a very fun player to follow after his name is inevitably called in the 2026 draft.
Main Photo: [David Butler II] – Imagn Images