A Division II transfer who broke Georgia State's single-season touchdown record and became the highest draft pick in program history.
Ted Hurst III took a winding road to the NFL, starting at Division II Valdosta State before transferring to Georgia State and turning into one of the Sun Belt's most productive receivers. Tampa Bay drafted him in the third round in 2026, making him the highest-drafted player in Georgia State history.
Path to the league
Hurst grew up in Savannah, Georgia, and starred at Sol C. Johnson High School before beginning his college career at Division II Valdosta State. He transferred to Georgia State ahead of the 2024 season and immediately became the Panthers' top receiving option, then declared for the draft after a record-setting senior year. The Buccaneers selected him in the third round, 84th overall, in the 2026 NFL Draft.
Career highlights
At Valdosta State, Hurst caught 60 passes for 1,027 yards and 10 touchdowns across two seasons. In his first year at Georgia State he set a program single-season record with nine receiving touchdowns on 56 catches for 961 yards, earning second-team All-Sun Belt honors. He ran a 4.42-second 40-yard dash at the NFL Scouting Combine at 6-foot-4.
2025 season recap
Hurst broke the 1,000-yard receiving mark for the first time as a senior, finishing with 71 catches for 1,004 yards and six touchdowns while earning first-team All-Sun Belt recognition. That performance made him the highest draft selection in Georgia State program history when Tampa Bay took him in round three.
Sources
- Wikipedia: Ted Hurst
- ESPN: Ted Hurst III
- Buccaneers.com: Ted Hurst NFL Draft profile
Player Profile
Background
- Position
- Wide Receiver
- Group
- offense
- College
- Georgia State
- Hometown
- Savannah, GA, USA
- Age
- 22
- Status
- active
