What Tennessee's Jermod McCoy said about his decision to enter the 2026 NFL Draft

Tennessee Football corner Jermod McCoy announced his decision to enter the 2026 NFL Draft on social media on Wednesday night, posting a long message to fans, coaches and teammates explaining his decision:

Dear Vol Nation,

First, I want to thank God for blessing me with the ability and opportunity to play this game at the highest level. And even though my time on the field was cut short, I will be forever grateful for my time here at the University of Tennessee. It has been a true honor, and I’m appreciative for every moment I had in the orange and white.

To my coaches and the entire coaching staff – thank you for believing in me, developing me, and pushing me every day.

To the academic staff – thank you for supporting me in the classroom and helping me grow beyond the field.

To my teammates – my brothers — thank you for the battles, the laughs, and the bond we built.

To my family – thank you for your love, sacrifice, and constant support. Without you, I’m not sure where I would be.

And to the fans – thank you for embracing me and showing me love from day one.

Thank you to everyone who has given me the opportunity to chase this dream. I will forever be indebted. With that said, I am officially declaring for the 2026 NFL Draft. 

GBO, Jermod McCoy

Jermod McCoy missed this season with a torn ACL

McCoy did not play this season after tearing his ACL during offseason training in January. He was a star last season with 44 tackles, nine passes defended and four interceptions. He had 31 tackles and two interceptions in 12 games as a freshman at Oregon State before transferring to Tennessee. 

He was projected as a top-10 pick and the No. 1 corner off the board over the summer, before missing all of the 2025 season.

McCoy this week was projected by ESPN’s Field Yates as the No. 21 pick in the NFL Draft to the Philadelphia Eagles.

“Some scouts believe (McCoy) is a top-10 prospect,” Yates wrote, “while others are dubious he will even go in the first round without any tape this season. But his elite skill set was obvious with the Volunteers last season, resulting in four interceptions and nine pass breakups.

“And the Eagles have taken a chance on injured prospects before, drafting linebacker Jihaad Campbellin April despite some concern over a left shoulder injury.”