Despite not playing since 2024, Tennessee defensive back Jermod McCoy announced his intentions to enter the 2026 NFL Draft on Wednesday.
The 6-foot prospect missed the 2025 campaign due to an ACL tear he suffered while training back in January, and despite returning to limited versions of practice throughout the Volunteers’ season, McCoy was never able to make it back to the field.
Not having suited up in a year has only marginally dropped McCoy’s draft stock, however, primarily because his film from that aforementioned season was of such high quality. After transferring from Oregon State, McCoy picked off 4 passes, broke up 9 more, and tacked on 44 total tackles as a lockdown corner within one of the nation’s best defenses.
But without the services of its star defensive back, Tennessee’s unit struggled mightily in 2025. The defense allowed roughly 29 points per game, which ranked 92nd in the nation, while also yielding just under 400 yards per outing.
And in their 4 losses this season, the Vols gave up point totals of 44, 37, 33, and 45.
While with the Beavers in 2023, McCoy tallied a pair of interceptions, 7 pass breakups, and 31 total tackles.
McCoy figures to be one of the top defensive backs in the draft class of 2026, although many will be intrigued to watch him test through the combine and pro days as scouts judge whether or not he’s the same player post-injury.
Parker is currently the sports editor for the Enterprise-Journal in McComb, Mississippi. He's a graduate from Mizzou who has experience covering the Tiger football and basketball beats for SB Nation, and he's worked for a variety of sports news outlets in the past.
