In a monumental nod to both individual talent and program prestige, Tennessee Volunteers junior cornerback Jermod McCoy has been ranked as the No. 2 best player in college football heading into the 2025 season, according to joint rankings released by CBS Sports and ESPN. The NCAA has confirmed the recognition, adding to the growing buzz around the Vols’ star-studded roster and their potential playoff run.
McCoy’s rise has been nothing short of meteoric. As a true freshman, he flashed elite instincts and shutdown coverage ability, but it was in his sophomore campaign where he truly exploded onto the national stage. In 2024, he led the SEC in pass deflections (18), added five interceptions, and allowed a microscopic 42.3 passer rating when targeted—numbers that placed him firmly in the conversation as one of the premier lockdown corners in the country. Now entering his junior season, analysts across the nation agree: McCoy isn’t just the best defensive back in college football, he’s one of the top players, period.
“He’s a once-in-a-decade kind of defensive back,” said CBS Sports lead analyst Barrett Sallee. “His combination of speed, awareness, physicality, and football IQ puts him on a different level. If he keeps developing, he’s going to be a top-5 pick in the NFL Draft and a nightmare for SEC offenses all season long.”
This ranking is more than a personal accolade—it’s a reflection of Tennessee’s growing presence as a powerhouse under head coach Josh Heupel. The Vols, long considered a sleeping giant in the SEC, have been building momentum both in recruiting and on the field. With back-to-back 10+ win seasons and an aggressive, playmaking defense that complements their high-octane offense, Tennessee is positioning itself as a legitimate national title contender.
McCoy embodies everything the modern college football team wants in a star: athletic, smart, composed under pressure, and relentless. Off the field, he’s also earned praise for his leadership and maturity. Coaches have noted how younger players gravitate toward him, and how he’s become a vocal leader in the locker room and during practice.
“He’s the tone-setter,” said defensive backs coach Willie Martinez. “When Jermod steps on the field, everyone else steps up their game. He pushes everyone—opponents and teammates alike—to be better.”
This recognition from CBS Sports and ESPN only adds fuel to the fire for Tennessee fans, who are already buzzing with anticipation for the 2025 campaign. The Vols have a tough slate ahead, including showdowns with Alabama, Georgia, and Oklahoma, but with McCoy anchoring the defense, there’s a strong sense that this could be a special year.
As the NCAA confirmed McCoy’s No. 2 overall ranking, many in Knoxville and beyond are wondering: could he make the leap to No. 1 by season’s end? One thing is certain—Jermod McCoy is no longer just a rising star. He’s already a beast among the best, and Tennessee is reaping the rewards.
Stay tuned, because if history is any indication, the Vols aren’t done making headlines—and neither is Jermod McCoy.
