Where Jermod McCoy is ranked in On3's Top 100 players in college football in 2025
Jermod McCoy came in at No. 17 this week in On3’s ranking of the top 100 players in college football in 2025, but the standout cornerback was the only Tennessee Football representative in the ranking.
“McCoy blossomed during his sophomore season,” On3’s Clark Brooks wrote. “He’s fluid and fast with pretty good results shielding targets. His 11 overall forced incompletions are the most of any returning SEC DB.
“Specializing as a zone cover corner, only two returning CBs top his 87.5 PFF grade spot dropping.”
A closer look at On3’s Top 100 players
On3’s top 100 topped by Ohio State wide receiver Jeremiah Smith, ahead of South Carolina edge rusher Dylan Stewart, Ohio State safety Caleb Downs, Texas edge rusher Colin Simmons and Arizona State quarterback Sam Leavitt.
Rounding out the top 10 was Alabama wide receiver Ryan Williams, Notre Dame corner Leonard Moore, South Carolina quarterback LaNorris Sellers, Texas linebacker Anthony Hill and Texas quarterback Arch Manning.
Other players ranked ahead of McCoy were Notre Dame running back Jeremiyah Love, Florida quarterback DJ Lagway, Clemson defensive lineman Peter Woods, LSU quarterback Garrett Nussmeier, Alabama edge LT Overton and Utah offensive tackle Spencer Fano.
McCoy tore his ACL during offseason training in January and did not go through spring practice with Tennessee.
His breakout season at Tennessee in 2024 included 44 tackles and nine passes defended to go with the four interceptions, which he returned for 71 yards.
He had 31 tackles and two interceptions in 12 games as a freshman at Oregon State before transferring to Tennessee.
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Jermod McCoy projected to be a first-round pick in 2026 NFL Draft
McCoy is widely projected to be a first-round pick in the 2026 NFL Draft, including mock drafts from The Athletic, USA Today, Todd McShay, ESPN and CBS Sports.
“His ball instincts consistently stood out when I studied Tennessee’s defense last season,” The Athletic’s Dane Brugler wrote.
McCoy is “an active, physical corner,” ESPN’s Jordan Reid added. “He exhibits great awareness and has a quick read on routes run in his coverage. He had four interceptions and eight pass breakups last season, so the ball skills are there, too. McCoy could be CB1 next year if his game continues to ascend.”
Last month Pro Football Focus listed McCoy at No. 8 overall and the No. 1 corner on their 2026 NFL Draft Big Board.
“The current favorite to be the top corner selected in the 2026 NFL Draft, McCoy was a lockdown player for the Volunteers after transferring in from Oregon State,” PFF’s Max Chadwick and Trevor Sikkema wrote.
“His 89.6 PFF coverage grade in 2024 is second among returning Power Four corners, while his four interceptions were tied for second in that same group.”
