When Ted Hurst arrived at Georgia State in 2024 after transferring from Valdosta State, the buzz around him was quiet. But, few could have predicted that in just two seasons, Hurst would become one of the most decorated and dynamic wide receivers the program has ever seen. He became a player who didn't just elevate the Panthers' offense, but redefined what elite production looks like in blue and white.

Two seasons later, the numbers speak for themselves. The accolades speak even louder. And the impact? That's already etched into Georgia State history.

Hurst wasted no time proving he was special. In his debut season in 2024, he immediately became Georgia State's go-to target, leading the team with 56 receptions for 961 yards while breaking the single-season program record with nine touchdown grabs. He reached 100 receiving yards in four games, including a career-best 173-yard performance against Arkansas State.

And the highlight moments? There were plenty.

On Sept. 14 against nationally ranked Vanderbilt, Hurst delivered one of the most iconic plays in recent GSU memory, catching a game-winning touchdown with just 15 seconds remaining to secure a home upset that sent shockwaves across the Sun Belt. Two weeks later, he added a 76-yard score against rival Georgia Southern, marking the longest reception by any Panther that season.

For his breakout performance, Hurst earned 2024 All-Sun Belt Second-Team honors along with a First-Team selection from College Football Network, establishing himself as one of the league's most dangerous downfield threats.

If 2024 was Hurst's arrival, 2025 was his ascension.

Entering the season, he was already on the national radar; he was named a HERO Sports G5 Preseason All-American, a Sports Info Solutions Preseason All-Sun Belt selection, a Phil Steele First-Team pick, and most notably, the first Georgia State player ever named to The Athletic's prestigious College Freaks List. He also landed on the Biletnikoff Award Preseason Watchlist, a clear sign that the country was paying attention.

He lived up to every bit of the hype.

Hurst closed the 2025 season with 71 receptions for 1,004 yards and six touchdowns, once again solidifying his place among the nation's best receivers. He ranked top 20 nationally in receiving yards and receptions per game, and top 50 in receiving touchdowns. His production placed him among the Sun Belt's elite.

His 172-yard, 10-catch, two-touchdown outburst against Murray State vaulted him into the Georgia State record book yet again. In a single game, Hurst placed himself No. 9 for single-game receiving yards, and No. 2 for both receptions and receiving touchdowns in a single game.

He also hauled in the Panthers' longest play of the season, snagging a 70-yard strike against South Alabama on Oct. 23 that reminded everyone of his blend of speed, strength and separation ability. 

His on-field success earned him a 2025 All-Sun Belt First Team selection at wide receiver; he was also invited to the Panini Senior Bowl as one of the few Group of Five student-athletes to receive that honor this season.

In just two years, Hurst climbed into the top five in nearly every major receiving category in program history:

• Career Receiving Yards: 1,965 (No. 4)
• Career Receptions: 127 (No. 5)
• Yards Per Reception: 15.5 (No. 4)
• Career Touchdowns: 15 (No. 4)
• 100-yard Games: 8 (No. 4)

He also wrote his name into the single-season charts in receptions (No. 2), receiving yards (No. 5), and touchdowns (No. 9), setting or pushing the boundaries of what the position could be at Georgia State.

Hurst's journey from a quiet newcomer to one of the most decorated players in Georgia State football history is marked not just by numbers, but by moments: game-winners, record-setters, deep balls that changed games and performances that lifted the entire offense.

His consistency, star power and big-play flair didn't just elevate the team, but raised the bar for every receiver who will step into the program after him. And for a player who came to Atlanta searching for opportunity, Hurst leaves behind something far greater. A legacy.

One painted in yardage, touchdowns, national recognition and the unmistakable imprint of a wide receiver who turned potential into history.