Jermod McCoy details first career interception versus Fernando Mendoza

TL;DR

Jermod McCoy, a former Tennessee cornerback, recorded his first career interception against Fernando Mendoza during a game where Oregon State defeated California 52-40. McCoy was drafted by the Las Vegas Raiders in the fourth round of the NFL draft.

Key points

Jermod McCoy recorded his first career interception
McCoy played for Tennessee from 2024-25
He was drafted by the Las Vegas Raiders
Oregon State defeated California 52-40
McCoy transferred from Oregon State to Tennessee

Mentioned in this story

Jermod McCoyFernando Mendoza

Tennessee VolunteersOregon State BeaversLas Vegas RaidersCalifornia Golden Bears

Former Tennessee cornerback Jermod McCoy was selected in the fourth round by Las Vegas (No. 101 overall) in the NFL draft.

The 6-foot, 193-pound defensive back was with the Vols from 2024-25. He did not play in 2025 due to rehabbing from an offseason knee injury.

McCoy played in 13 games at Tennessee in 2024. He recorded 44 tackles, 0.5 tackles for a loss, four interceptions, 71 interception yards, 13 pass deflections, six punt returns and 59 punt return yards.

McCoy transferred to the Vols after a freshman season at Oregon State in 2023.

The Beavers defeated California, 52-40, on Oct. 7, 2023 at California Memorial Stadium in Berkeley, California. McCoy recorded his first career interception against quarterback Fernando Mendoza.

Mendoza was selected No. 1 overall by the Raiders during the NFL draft in 2026. He transferred to Indiana ahead of the 2025 campaign after two seasons with the Golden Bears. Mendoza won a national championship and the Heisman Trophy with the Hoosiers in 2025.

After being drafted, McCoy discussed playing against Mendoza in the 2023 Oregon State-California game.

"It was probably one of the top moments in my life, my first college pick - talked after that game too, just chopped it up a little bit, but I mean it was good,” McCoy told media. “Good to know we are going to be on the same team, too.

"We got the best quarterback in college football and now going to be the best in the league."

Mendoza completed 21-of-32 passing attempts for 207 yards, two touchdowns and one interception in the loss to Oregon State. He also recorded 41 rushing yards on four attempts.

McCoy recorded 31 tackles, two interceptions, seven pass deflections and one fumble recovery during his freshman season at Oregon State. His first start was against California and Mendoza.