Michael Allen 
Jermod McCoy goes up and makes the one-handed interception against Alabama's Ryan Williams
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After an All-SEC, All-American sophomore season, Tennessee DB Jermod McCoy is on a mission to return stronger from an ACL injury and prove he’s worthy of first-round NFL Draft status.
Jermod McCoy: Tennessee’s Defensive Star Eyes First-Round NFL Draft Spot After Stellar Sophomore Season
When the 2024 season ended, there was no question who Tennessee’s defensive MVP was. Sophomore defensive back Jermod McCoy emerged as one of the best playmakers in the SEC, earning accolades and praise from coaches, teammates, and national media alike. His sophomore numbers were elite: 44 total tackles, including 26 solo stops, and 4 interceptions, all while facing the best passing offenses the Southeastern Conference has to offer.
McCoy’s physical gifts are obvious. He’s explosive in coverage, instinctive in space, and rarely out of position. Whether breaking up passes, coming downhill to stop the run, or making game-changing interceptions, McCoy’s presence was felt on every snap. His rise from an under-the-radar recruit to First Team All-SEC and Second Team All-American honoree is a testament to his work ethic and development under Tennessee’s coaching staff.
But while the on-field accolades were impressive, McCoy’s influence extended beyond the stat sheet. He quickly became a vocal leader in the locker room, mentoring younger players and setting a high standard for what it means to be a Tennessee Volunteer. In many ways, he became the identity of the Vols’ defense — fast, physical, and fearless.
A Devastating Setback: The ACL Injury
Just as his stock was beginning to rise among NFL scouts, disaster struck. Early in the 2025 offseason, McCoy suffered a torn ACL, a major setback for any athlete, especially one coming off a breakout year. The injury immediately raised questions about his readiness for the upcoming season and whether he could continue his upward trajectory toward the NFL Draft.
ACL injuries, while more treatable now than in the past, still demand a long and grueling recovery process. For McCoy, the timing couldn’t have been worse. Just as he was beginning to enter the national conversation as a top draft prospect, he suddenly faced months of rehabilitation, doubt, and uncertainty.
But according to those close to the program, McCoy has embraced the rehab process with the same intensity and determination that made him a star in the first place.
National Hype Remains High Despite Injury
Despite the injury, McCoy has not faded from national view. In fact, if anything, his reputation has only grown. This summer, he was named to multiple Preseason First Team All-American lists and once again earned Preseason First Team All-SEC recognition. For a player still rehabbing from a major injury, that’s nearly unheard of.
The message is clear: scouts, writers, and coaches believe McCoy has already proven himself as one of the premier defensive backs in college football — and they expect him to return to that level quickly.
It’s not just the stats that have people believing. McCoy’s tape tells the full story. His ability to read quarterbacks, jump routes, and make plays in open space is rare. He doesn’t just cover — he erases.
Many draft analysts have already placed him in early mock drafts as a potential late first-round selection, contingent on a healthy and productive junior campaign. In a draft class expected to be deep at cornerback and safety, McCoy still stands out for his versatility and intelligence on the field.
The Big Picture: First Round Within Reach
If McCoy performs at the level he did in 2024 — or exceeds it — there’s little doubt that he will be a first-round selection in the 2026 NFL Draft. His combination of athleticism, instincts, leadership, and experience against high-level competition makes him a prototype defensive back at the next level.
But even more important than the physical tools is his mindset. McCoy is built for adversity. The ACL injury might have slowed him down, but it hasn’t stopped his momentum. If anything, it has made him more focused.
Whether he’s intercepting passes in Neyland Stadium this fall or walking across the stage at the NFL Draft next spring, Jermod McCoy’s journey is far from over. And for Tennessee fans, the best may still be yet to come.
Final Thought:
If there’s one thing we’ve learned about Jermod McCoy — it’s this: doubt him at your own risk.
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