Sun Belt representation finally struck the 2026 NFL Draft in the third round.
At pick No. 84, Georgia State wide receiver Ted Hurst landed to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Hurst set a new program record for earliest draft pick in the 16-year history of the program, landing 105 picks before the previous record holder in Christo Bilukidi (189th overall pick in 2012).
When Hurst’s name was called on stage in Pittsburgh on Friday night, the Sun Belt officially matched its 2025 NFL Draft output by producing a single prospect.
Hurst arrived at Georgia State by way of Division II. The Augusta, GA native originally mastered his game at Valdosta State where he logged over 1,000 yards for the D2 power. He immediately ascended into a No. 1 option upon arriving at Georgia State in 2024, collecting 961 yards and nine touchdowns on 56 receptions as a Second Team All-Sun Belt honoree. In 2025, Hurst pushed the boundaries of his capabilities with 1,004 yards on 71 receptions — concluding his career as a First Team All-Sun Belt pick. He was one of 22 FBS receivers to cross the millennium mark last fall, and his 2025 campaign featured the second-most receptions and fifth-most receiving yards in Georgia State history.
Of the 319 NFL Combine selections, Hurst was the only one to hail from the Sun Belt. He capitalized on the opportunity, particularly impressing in the 40-yard dash and broad jump drills.
The 6’4” receiver’s combination of length and speed made him an intriguing prospect for NFL teams, causing him to become the 15th receiver taken in the 2026 draft. The big-play receiver averaged 15.5 yards per catch in college, and now those home run capabilities move from Atlanta to Tampa.
Hurst joins a Buccaneers roster replacing franchise legend Mike Evans, who signed with the San Francisco 49ers in free agency after 13,052 yards in 12 seasons with Tampa Bay. The Buccaneers still retain one of their longtime veterans in Chris Godwin, but the rest of the core receiving group is somewhat of a youth movement. 2025 rookies Emeka Egbuka and Tez Johnson, as well as 2024 draft selection Jalen McMillan, are among the primary targets that will work alongside Hurst in his new home.