The Tampa Bay Buccaneers put together a fun class in the 2026 Draft, and the group is already generating excitement. While Tampa’s top pick Rueben Bain Jr. has quickly won fans over, one of the team’s day-two selections is generating a lot of excitement as well.
Wide receiver Ted Hurst, selected by the Bucs in the third round, is an intriguing offensive weapon, and the team is ready to get him incorporated in the offense. Buccaneers wide receivers coach Bryan McClendon made that clear on Tuesday, using the word “rare” to describe the rookie wideout.
McClendon said the combination of size, speed, and quickness that Hurst possesses is rare, and that’s why he stood out during the pre-draft evaluation process. The team met with Hurst at the Scouting Combine, and McClendon was also able to talk ball with the young receiver on zoom. That left the coach excited about Hurst’s future, and that excitement only grew once McClendon realized the franchise would be able to draft the receiver.
Video: Bucs receivers coach Bryan McClendon talks about rookie Ted Hurst and his excitement about what he brings to his receiver room. pic.twitter.com/6b2VxtGWis
— Greg Auman (@gregauman) May 12, 2026
Buccaneers are excited to add wide receiver Ted Hurst to the offense
Hurst is just under 6-foot-4, and weighs 206 pounds. At the Scouting Combine, he ran a 4.42 40-yard dash, posted a 36.5-inch vertical jump, and recorded an 11-foot-3-inch broad jump. His athletic profile, alone, is enough to get teams excited.
Fortunately for the Bucs, Hurst isn’t just an athlete, he’s a football player, and he has the collegiate production to prove it. After posting 60 receptions for 1,027 yards and 10 touchdowns in two seasons at Valdosta State, Hurst transferred to Georgia State and took his game to another level. In two seasons, 24 total games, the wideout caught 127 passes for 1,965 yards and 15 touchdowns.
Critics questioned the competition level that Hurst faced in college, but after a standout week at the Senior Bowl, those concerns were eased. Now, he’s a third-round pick and a member of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
The Bucs saw Mike Evans say farewell to the franchise this offseason, but the offense has some exciting young pieces. Emeka Egbuka and Tez Johnson are ready to step into even bigger roles, and Chris Godwin Jr. and Jalen McMillan are also returning. Ted Hurst will now be added to the room, as the offense looks to become more productive.
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