Tennessee — CB, Jermod McCoy — 6'0" 193 lbs
Sportsvival breaks down the top prospects destined for the 2026 NFL Draft class, spotlighting playmakers and positional risers. This profile covers Jermod McCoy, a press-man, physical corner whose ball skills and contested-catch ability made him an All‑America selection before a significant ACL setback that has delayed his 2025 clearance.
Background and recruit profile
High school: Whitehouse High School, Whitehouse, Texas.
College path: Began at Oregon State (2023), transferred to Tennessee (2024) and earned All‑America recognition in 2024.
Recruiting note: Three‑star recruit out of Texas; developed quickly in college into one of the nation’s most disruptive man‑coverage corners.
Physical profile and measurables
Height and weight: 6 ft 0 in; listed at 193 lbs.
Frame and length: Athletic, compact frame that plays bigger than the tape suggests; competitive at the catch point and in press alignment.
Athletic traits: Quick first step, fluid hip turn, and the short‑area burst to mirror inside and outside; projects well in press and trail techniques.
Strengths
Press and contested catches: Wins with physicality at the line and consistently challenges receivers on 50/50 opportunities. Sportsvival loves his willingness to make plays.
Ball skills and route anticipation: Shows playmaking instincts with an above‑average knack for locating the ball and timing breaks.
Tackling and run support: Willing tackler who closes downhill; comfortable near the line of scrimmage and in run fits.
Versatility in coverage: Effective in outside press, off‑man, and late‑phase zone rotation, giving him multi‑scheme appeal.
Weaknesses
Recovery on top-end speed: Recovery against elite deep speed can be inconsistent when beaten off the snap.
Reactionary agility after contact: Knee injury history raises questions about sudden‑change reactivity and plant‑foot durability.
Experience continuity: Missed developmental reps during rehab that would otherwise refine technique against advanced route concepts. Many scouts will want to see how he bounces back from ACL injury.
Injury status
Jermod McCoy tore his ACL during offseason training and has been rehabbing through 2025. Multiple reports indicate he has not been medically cleared to return for the 2025 season and remains ruled out on Tennessee’s weekly availability reports. Coach Josh Heupel has praised his rehab work while stressing McCoy still “has more to go” and that return timelines are being balanced between short‑ and long‑term health.
Player profile and projection
McCoy is a future first‑round caliber outside corner when healthy who relies on physicality, contested‑catch ability, and press‑man instincts. His floor is a dependable boundary starter in nickel and base packages who can disrupt timing and add tackling strength. His ceiling is a top‑tier man‑coverage corner capable of locking down WR2s and matching up in key slot‑down situations. Medical clearance and demonstrated knee responsiveness in game‑speed rep work will be the deciding factors for his 2026 draft grade.
Pro comparison
Kendall Fuller: Physical press style with strong contested‑catch play and reliable run support.
Sportsvival Take
McCoy projects as a high‑upside Day‑1 starter for teams that value aggressive boundary coverage and contested catch ability. His draft stock is currently tied to medical verification and on‑field proof he can handle full reactionary workloads after the ACL repair.
(photo courtesy of Chattanooga Times Free Press)