Cornerback Jermod McCoy's Standout College Career

From Oregon State to Tennessee, McCoy emerged as a top NFL draft prospect.

Apr. 18, 2026 at 7:23pm

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A fractured, geometric painting depicting the movements and actions of a college football player, with sharp planes of color representing the player's team uniforms.A cubist interpretation of a standout college cornerback's dynamic play on the field.Whitehouse Today

Cornerback Jermod McCoy had a standout two-year college football career, first at Oregon State in 2023 and then at Tennessee in 2024. Despite missing the 2025 season due to an ACL injury, McCoy's impressive stats and accolades, including being a Jim Thorpe Award finalist and earning All-American and All-SEC honors, have him poised as a top 2026 NFL draft prospect.

Why it matters

McCoy's rapid rise from a three-star high school recruit to a potential first-round NFL draft pick in just two years of college play highlights his exceptional talent and potential. His story also showcases the value of the transfer portal, as his move from Oregon State to Tennessee allowed him to showcase his skills on a bigger stage and earn national recognition.

The details

In his lone season at Oregon State in 2023, McCoy recorded 31 tackles, 2 interceptions, and 9 pass deflections. He then transferred to Tennessee for the 2024 season, where he had 44 tackles, 4 interceptions, and 13 pass breakups, earning Second Team All-American and First Team All-SEC honors. Despite missing the 2025 season due to an ACL injury, McCoy's impressive college production and athleticism have made him a top 2026 NFL draft prospect.

  • McCoy played at Oregon State in 2023.
  • McCoy transferred to Tennessee and played there in 2024.
  • McCoy missed the 2025 season due to an ACL injury.

The players

Jermod McCoy

A cornerback who played one season at Oregon State and one season at Tennessee, emerging as a top 2026 NFL draft prospect despite missing the 2025 season due to an ACL injury.

Whitehouse High School

The high school in Texas that McCoy attended, where he was a three-sport athlete and three-star recruit.

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What’s next

McCoy is expected to be a top pick in the 2026 NFL Draft, with scouts closely watching his recovery from the ACL injury and his performance at the NFL Combine and pro day events.

The takeaway

McCoy's rapid rise from a three-star high school recruit to a potential first-round NFL draft pick in just two years of college play showcases his exceptional talent and the value of the transfer portal in allowing players to showcase their skills on a bigger stage.