Jermod McCoy of the Tennessee Volunteers has been named one of the top three returning cornerbacks for the 2025 season.
As the Tennessee Volunteers prepare for another promising college football season, few names on the defensive side of the ball are generating more buzz than Jermod McCoy. The veteran cornerback is drawing national attention for his elite skill set, production, and potential NFL future. Recently listed as one of the top three returning cornerbacks for the 2025 season, McCoy stands out as not just a leader for Tennessee’s secondary but a legitimate game-changer whose presence could dictate how far the Vols go in what is expected to be a tightly contested SEC race.
McCoy’s rise to prominence hasn’t happened overnight. His emergence as a premier defensive back in the SEC has been built on years of development, discipline, and determination. Standing at 6 feet and weighing just under 190 pounds, McCoy brings a prototypical frame to the cornerback position, but what separates him from the rest is his instincts, footwork, and ability to read offenses before the snap. Those traits were on full display throughout the 2024 season, as McCoy became a shutdown presence on the boundary, routinely locking down top receivers and giving quarterbacks fits.
In 2024, McCoy recorded 42 tackles, 11 pass deflections, and 4 interceptions, including one returned for a touchdown. His impact wasn’t just limited to stats—he brought consistency, physicality, and football IQ to every game. Whether it was blanketing speedy receivers in man coverage or breaking on the ball in zone schemes, McCoy made it clear he was one of the SEC’s most complete defensive backs. Analysts, scouts, and coaches have taken notice. His combination of speed, length, and awareness has made him one of the most respected cornerbacks not just in the conference but across the country.
The acknowledgment as a top-three returning cornerback for 2025 is a reflection of his talent and production but also a testament to the expectations that now follow him. McCoy is no longer just a rising star—he’s a cornerstone of the Tennessee defense, someone the team will rely on in big moments. As the Volunteers aim to reassert themselves as a contender in the SEC, having a player like McCoy anchoring the secondary provides a massive boost. His leadership on and off the field will be critical as Tennessee prepares for matchups against high-powered offenses throughout the conference.
One of McCoy’s standout performances came in Tennessee’s matchup against Georgia in 2024. Facing one of the nation’s most dynamic passing attacks, McCoy rose to the occasion, holding his assignment to just two catches for under 30 yards while breaking up two critical third-down passes. It was the kind of performance that separates good players from great ones. McCoy didn’t just survive against elite competition—he thrived. His physical style at the line of scrimmage, combined with the fluidity to mirror receivers down the field, makes him a nightmare matchup for even the most polished wideouts.
What’s perhaps most impressive about McCoy is how quickly he diagnoses plays. Watching film reveals his anticipation is elite. He often makes breaks on the ball a split second before the quarterback releases it, leading to deflections and interceptions. His film study and preparation are part of what makes him special. He’s often praised by coaches for being a “student of the game,” someone who not only learns the playbook but dissects tendencies, formations, and quarterback behavior. It’s that mental edge that has taken his game to the next level and will likely make him a top NFL Draft pick when the time comes.
Off the field, McCoy has grown into a mature, grounded leader. Teammates speak highly of his work ethic, his ability to mentor younger players, and the quiet confidence he brings to the locker room. He’s not the loudest voice on the team, but his actions speak volumes. Whether it’s staying after practice to work on technique or spending extra hours in the film room, McCoy sets the standard. He understands the responsibility that comes with being one of the team’s most experienced players, and he embraces the pressure that comes with being labeled a top performer.
The 2025 season will be a defining one for McCoy. Expectations are sky-high—not just from media and fans, but internally as well. Tennessee’s coaching staff knows what they have in McCoy, and they’re designing schemes to take full advantage of his abilities. Defensive coordinators have the luxury of assigning McCoy to an opponent’s top receiver and knowing he can hold his own without much safety help. That freedom opens up a world of possibilities for the rest of the defense. With McCoy locking down one side of the field, the Volunteers can get more aggressive with blitz packages and coverage disguises.
The SEC is known for its elite receiver play, and McCoy will face another gauntlet of challenges in 2025. From LSU’s explosive downfield threats to Alabama’s crisp route runners, McCoy will once again be tested weekly. But if the past season is any indication, he’s more than ready. Each challenge is an opportunity for McCoy to elevate his stock, to show scouts and coaches around the country that he belongs in the conversation with the very best. His focus remains laser-sharp, and his goals are clear—lead Tennessee to victories, dominate his matchups, and prepare for a future at the next level.
Looking back on his journey, McCoy’s development is a testament to Tennessee’s coaching staff and player development program. He arrived on campus as a talented but raw prospect. Through hard work and guidance, he’s transformed into one of the elite cornerbacks in college football. His story is an example of what can happen when talent meets discipline, when a player buys into the culture and maximizes every opportunity. McCoy represents the kind of player every program hopes to develop—one who excels on the field, grows off it, and elevates everyone around him.
Tennessee fans have plenty of reasons to be excited about the 2025 season, and Jermod McCoy is at the top of that list. His return solidifies the Volunteers’ secondary and gives them a weapon few teams can match. In a conference where every inch matters and every game is a battle, having a shutdown corner who can erase one side of the field is invaluable. As McCoy continues to rack up accolades and draw comparisons to past greats, one thing is certain—he’s writing his own legacy, one game at a time.
The buzz around McCoy has also started to spread nationally. Draft experts have him pegged as a potential first-round pick, with some even suggesting he could be the first cornerback off the board in 2026. That kind of recognition brings attention, pressure, and scrutiny—but McCoy has shown time and again he’s built for it. He doesn’t chase headlines or concern himself with mock drafts. Instead, he focuses on being better than he was the day before. That relentless pursuit of improvement is what separates him from the rest.
As preseason watch lists and award predictions begin to roll out, expect McCoy’s name to be front and center. The Jim Thorpe Award, given annually to the nation’s top defensive back, is well within reach. But more than individual awards, McCoy is focused on helping Tennessee reach the top of the SEC and make a serious push for a College Football Playoff berth. With the return of their defensive anchor, that goal feels more attainable than ever.
In today’s college football landscape, where players often jump programs and prioritize individual brands, McCoy’s commitment to Tennessee and steady development within the system is refreshing. He represents what the program stands for—grit, loyalty, and relentless pursuit of greatness. The Volunteer faithful will be watching closely as McCoy embarks on what promises to be an unforgettable 2025 campaign. His journey isn’t finished, but the legacy he’s building in Knoxville already places him among the elite to ever wear the orange and white.
As the countdown to kickoff begins, all eyes will be on No. 5. Jermod McCoy is ready—not just to defend his title as one of the top returning cornerbacks in college football, but to lead Tennessee toward a season that could be truly special. The spotlight doesn’t intimidate him. If anything, it fuels him. The 2025 season is set to be the stage where McCoy cements his status as a college football star and continues his march toward NFL greatness.
