2026 NFL Draft Profile: Tennessee cornerback Jermod McCoy

TL;DR

Tennessee cornerback Jermod McCoy is a top prospect for the 2026 NFL Draft, known for his impactful plays since transferring from Oregon State. An ACL injury in January 2025 has raised concerns about his draft stock.

Key points

Jermod McCoy is a cornerback for the Tennessee Volunteers.
He transferred from Oregon State before the 2024 season.
McCoy was a key player in Tennessee's College Football Playoff run.
An ACL injury in January 2025 has affected his draft stock.
He opted to shut down his season after Tennessee's playoff elimination.

Oregon StateJermod McCoyTennessee Volunteers

KNOXVILLE, TN - OCTOBER 19: Jermod McCoy #3 of the Tennessee Volunteers before a game between Alabama and Tennessee at Neyland Stadium on October 19, 2024 in Knoxville, Tennessee. (Photo by Roger Wimmer/ISI Photos/Getty Images) | Getty Images

In a vacuum, Tennessee’s best 2026 NFL prospect is cornerback Jermod McCoy. The Oregon State transfer exploded onto the national scene back in 2024, making big play after big play in the Tennessee secondary. McCoy stepped onto campus two years ago and immediately became CB1 for the Volunteers, locking things down and helping power Tennessee to a College Football Playoff berth.

An ACL tear in January of 2025 during offseason training has clouded his NFL Draft projection, however. McCoy was rumored to be close to a return to action for Tennessee late in the season, but opted to shut things down after the Volunteers were eliminated from playoff contention.

Prospect Information

Position: Cornerback

Schools: Oregon State, Tennessee

High School Ranking: 3-star, 1,481st nationally

Height: 6-1

Weight: 188 pounds

Stats: 2024 season — 9 pass breakups, 4 interceptions, 44 tackles

(Missed entire 2025 season with a torn ACL)

Scouting Jermod McCoy

McCoy has just about everything you want as a cornerback. A lengthy frame to go along with quick-twitch reactions, he’s able to be sticky in man coverage. McCoy’s ability to find the ball and make a play on it is special, as evidenced by his 2024 season. The Texas native made game-changing plays for Tennessee against Oklahoma, Alabama and Vanderbilt during his breakout season in Knoxville.

Two particular plays, both man-to-man challenges in the endzone against Vandy and Alabama, show McCoy’s ball skills. McCoy was able to get position on a fade against Alabama’s Ryan Williams for the pick, flipping that entire game on its head and sparking a Tennessee victory.

Q&A

What happened to Jermod McCoy's NFL Draft prospects?

Jermod McCoy's NFL Draft prospects have been clouded by an ACL tear he suffered in January 2025.

How did Jermod McCoy perform before his injury?

Before his injury, Jermod McCoy made significant contributions as CB1 for the Tennessee Volunteers, helping the team reach the College Football Playoff.

When did Jermod McCoy transfer to Tennessee?

Jermod McCoy transferred to Tennessee two years ago, quickly establishing himself as a key player in the secondary.

What is Jermod McCoy's current status for the 2026 NFL Draft?

Jermod McCoy is expected to be a top prospect for the 2026 NFL Draft, though his ACL injury has raised questions about his readiness.