Cam Ward entered the NFL as the No. 1 overall pick with the Titans, while Travis Hunter followed as the No. 2 selection by the Jaguars. Now, both AFC South newcomers have already sparked their rivalry with a heated exchange of words.
The AFC South will look very different this year. With the arrival of Cam Ward and Travis Hunter, the division is expected to improve significantlyāand the rivalry between the Titans and Jaguars is already heating up.
For the Titans, Ward was the best player available in the 2025 NFL Draft. Meanwhile, the Jaguars traded up to select Travis Hunter, who is widely considered a generational talent.
Cam Ward and Travis Hunter go at it after landing in the AFC South
The No. 1 and No. 2 overall picks in the 2025 NFL Draft will be seeing a lot of each other in the coming years. Cam Ward is expected to lead the Titansā offense, while Travis Hunter will aim to make an impact on both sides of the ballāas a cornerback and a wide receiver.
see also
Jaguars HC Liam Coen shares first impressions of Travis Hunter ahead of 2025 NFL season
The Titans were desperate for a new quarterback after the Will Levis experiment failed. Ward was regarded as the top prospect in the draft, but heāll face a tough challenge leading a franchise where quarterbacks have struggled in recent years.
As for Hunter, his goal is clear: continue playing on both defense and offense at the NFL level. Heāll do so for a Jaguars team that has brought in big names but hasnāt been able to find consistent success in recent seasons.
Both players respect each otherās talentābut theyāre also well aware of the intense rivalry between their new teams. In a moment that was both playful and heated, they exchanged words about their arrival in the NFL and sent strong messages to each otherās clubs.
āIād hate to be a Jacksonville Jaguar,ā Ward said while tying his cleats in a video posted by Deion Sanders Jr. āThey said they trying to get rid of you already.ā
āWe didnāt want you,ā Hunter replied. āYou know (Tennessee) donāt like quarterbacks that much. They only got you because they had to.ā
When will Cam Ward and Travis Hunter face off in 2025?
Fans will have to wait a bit for the first showdown between Cam Ward and Travis Hunter. The Titans are scheduled to host the Jaguars in Week 13 at Nissan Stadium.
see also
NFL News: Titans QB Cam Ward stands out with unfortunate distinction in 14-year span
Their second meeting will take place in Week 18, when Jacksonville hosts Tennessee in the regular-season finaleāpossibly with playoff spots on the line.
