Where Jermod McCoy is ranked on ESPN’s list of the top 100 players in college football

Tennessee junior cornerback Jermod McCoy is the 31st best player in college football this season, according to an ESPN ranking this week of the top 100 players entering the new season. 

“After transferring from Oregon State,” ESPN’s Chris Low wrote, “McCoy established himself as one of the premier cornerbacks in the country last season. He served as the eraser on the back end of a Tennessee defense that held 10 of its 13 opponents under 20 points. 

“The Vols aren’t sure when they will get McCoy back this season after he tore his ACL in January while training.”

McCoy returned to the practice field in a limited role during Tennessee’s training camp, while his return from the torn ACL continues.  

Ohio State WR Jeremiah Smith ranked No. 1 by ESPN

ESPN’s No. 1-ranked player this season is Ohio State wide receiver Jeremiah Smith. He was ranked ahead of Texas linebacker Anthony Hill Jr., Ohio State safety Caleb Downs, Clemson quarterback Cade Klubnik and Notre Dame running back Jeremiyah Love, rounding out the top five.

Notre Dame corner Leonard Moore, at No. 13 overall, was the only corner ranked ahead of McCoy. 

McCoy finished his first season at Tennessee 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 has spent the offseason collecting preseason All-American honors from the Associated Press, ESPN, Athlon, Pro Football Focus, The Sporting News and Walter Camp.

Jermod McCoy projected to be a first-round pick in 2026 NFL Draft

McCoy is also widely projected to be a first-round pick in next summer’s NFL Draft, ranked as high as No. 11 overall on The Athletic’s NFL Draft board. 

He’s projected at No. 12 overall by USA Today, No. 13 according to Todd McShay and No. 20 according to CBS Sports. Pro Football Focus in the spring ranked McCoy at No. 8 overall in its first Big Board for the 2026 NFL Draft. 

ESPN in June ranked McCoy as the No. 1 cornerback prospect in the draft, according to NFL Draft analyst Matt Miller. McCoy is coming off a breakout debut season with the Vols, after transferring from Oregon State.

“The Oregon State transfer thrived in his first season with the Vols,” ESPN’s Jordan Reid wrote, “intercepting four passes and looking like the CB1 of a strong 2026 corner class. 

“But he suffered a torn ACL during a January training session, putting his status for the 2025 season in doubt. Can McCoy return to the field this season, and how would he perform if he does?”