Jermod is recognized on the PFF preseason All-America team πΊπΈ
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In a significant accolade for Tennessee Volunteers football, cornerback Jermod McCoy has been named to Pro Football Focus’s (PFF) 2025 Preseason All-America Team. This recognition underscores McCoy’s exceptional performance during the 2024 season and highlights his potential as a top prospect for the 2026 NFL Draft.
A Stellar 2024 Season
After transferring from Oregon State, McCoy quickly established himself as a cornerstone of Tennessee’s defense. In the 2024 season, he recorded 44 tackles, nine passes defended, and four interceptions. His coverage skills were particularly noteworthy, earning him an 89.6 PFF coverage grade, the second-highest among returning Power Four cornerbacks. McCoy’s athleticism was further highlighted by a near-perfect 99.9 score in PFF’s Game Athleticism Score metric .
Key Contributions in Crucial Games
McCoy’s impact was most evident in pivotal matchups. His one-handed interception in the end zone against Alabama’s Jalen Milroe was instrumental in Tennessee’s 24-17 victory. In the regular-season finale against Vanderbilt, McCoy intercepted a pass from Diego Pavia, preventing a potential touchdown and helping secure the Volunteers’ spot in the College Football Playoff .
Overcoming Adversity
Despite suffering an ACL injury during offseason training, McCoy’s dedication to recovery has been unwavering. He missed all of spring practices but is expected to return early in the 2025 season. His resilience and commitment have not gone unnoticed, with PFF projecting him as a potential first-round pick in the 2026 NFL Draft .
A Promising Future
McCoy’s recognition as a preseason All-American and his projected NFL Draft status reflect his exceptional talent and work ethic. As he prepares for the upcoming season, McCoy aims to build upon his previous successes and continue to be a defensive leader for the Volunteers.
Tennessee fans and the broader college football community will be closely watching McCoy’s return to the field, anticipating the impact he will undoubtedly make in the 2025 season.
