Tennessee Volunteers Stars Jermod McCoy and Chris Brazzell II Declare for 2026 NFL Draft

In a pivotal offseason development for the Tennessee Volunteers, two standout players—cornerback Jermod McCoy and wide receiver Chris Brazzell II—announced their decisions to enter the 2026 NFL Draft in mid-December 2025. McCoy declared on December 10, followed by Brazzell on December 11, marking the first major departures from Josh Heupel’s squad after an 8-4 regular season that ended with a Music City Bowl berth against Illinois. Both players opted out of the bowl game, prioritizing NFL preparation amid a wave of roster changes that included additional opt-outs and transfer portal entries.

These declarations underscore Tennessee’s talent pipeline under Heupel, who has consistently produced NFL-caliber players, but also highlight the challenges of roster retention in the NIL and portal era. McCoy, despite missing the entire 2025 season due to injury, remains a projected first-round pick, while Brazzell’s breakout campaign propelled him into Day 1 or early Day 2 consideration.

Jermod McCoy: From Breakout Star to Injury Setback and Pro Prospect

Jermod McCoy’s Tennessee tenure was brief but impactful, spanning just one full season before injury derailed his 2025 campaign. The 6-foot, 193-pound cornerback transferred from Oregon State ahead of the 2024 season and immediately emerged as one of the SEC’s premier defensive backs.

In 2024, McCoy earned first-team All-SEC honors from the Associated Press, second-team from coaches, and second-team All-America recognition. He led the Vols with 13 passes defended (four interceptions, nine breakups) and recorded 44 tackles, including two end-zone picks that preserved victories. His ball-hawking instincts and coverage skills helped Tennessee reach the College Football Playoff.

Tragedy struck in January 2025 when McCoy tore his ACL during offseason training in Texas. Initial optimism for a mid-season return faded; he participated in limited individual drills during preseason camp but never saw game action. Tennessee’s secondary struggled without him, contributing to defensive woes that saw the Vols rank near the bottom nationally in pass defense.

Despite no 2025 tape, McCoy’s declaration drew little surprise. ESPN’s Mel Kiper Jr. ranked him as the No. 1 cornerback and No. 13 overall prospect, praising his “ball-hawking traits.” Other analysts like Matt Miller and Dane Brugler projected him in the top 20, with some mocks slotting him as high as No. 12. Medical evaluations at the NFL Combine will be crucial—teams will assess his recovery over a year post-injury—but his 2024 film remains elite.

In his announcement, McCoy expressed gratitude: “Thank you to everyone who has given me the opportunity to chase this dream… I am officially declaring for the 2026 NFL Draft.” Heupel lauded McCoy’s resilience, noting his leadership from the sidelines.

McCoy’s departure thins an already depleted secondary. Tennessee lost starter Rickey Gibson II to injury early in 2025 and saw Colton Hood also declare later. Rising talents like Ty Redmond and freshmen will need to step up in 2026.

Chris Brazzell II: Breakout Season Cements NFL Path

Chris Brazzell II’s journey to NFL prospect status exemplifies patience and development in Heupel’s system. The 6-foot-5, 200-pound receiver transferred from Tulane after the 2023 season, arriving with high expectations following a strong redshirt freshman year (44 catches, 711 yards, five TDs).

His 2024 Tennessee debut was underwhelming: 29 receptions for 333 yards and two scores, including a game-winner against Alabama. Critics questioned the fit, but Brazzell benefited from a second-year leap common among Vols receivers under position coach Kelsey Pope.

In 2025, paired with quarterback Joey Aguilar, Brazzell exploded as Tennessee’s WR1. He led the SEC with 1,017 receiving yards and nine touchdowns on 62 catches, earning first-team All-SEC honors and Biletnikoff Award semifinalist status. His 16.7 yards per catch highlighted vertical prowess, with standout performances including multi-TD games.

Brazzell’s size, contested-catch ability, and route refinement drew comparisons to past Vols like Cedric Tillman. ESPN ranked him the No. 6-7 wideout and around No. 34 overall; some mocks projected late first-round.

In his statement: “After a lot of prayer and conversations… I’ve decided that I will be declaring for the 2026 NFL Draft.” He also opted out of the Music City Bowl, joining a growing list.

Brazzell’s exit previews Tennessee’s 2026 receiving corps: Freshmen like Travis Smith Jr., Radarious Jackson, and Mike Matthews (alongside Braylon Staley) will see expanded roles. The group earned praise as one of the SEC’s best young units.

Impact on Tennessee’s 2025 Season and Bowl Performance

Tennessee’s 8-4 record reflected inconsistency: Offensive firepower carried them, but defensive lapses—exacerbated by McCoy’s absence—led to blowout losses. Aguilar threw for over 3,000 yards, leaning on Brazzell for big plays.

The Music City Bowl became a depleted affair. Beyond McCoy and Brazzell, opt-outs included linebacker Arion Carter (leading tackler), edge Joshua Josephs, and corner Colton Hood—all draft-bound. Additional portal entries further thinned depth.

Heupel emphasized opportunity for younger players: “It’s next man up.” The game tested emerging talent against Illinois’ balanced attack.

Broader Roster Implications for 2026

These departures accelerate Tennessee’s rebuild. Strengths remain: Returning skill players, a strong offensive line, and recruiting momentum. New defensive coordinator Jim Knowles (hired post-2025) faces rebuilding the secondary and front seven.

Portal activity will be key—Heupel has excelled there, landing talents like Brazzell previously. NIL resources in Knoxville aid retention and additions.

NFL Draft Projections and Comparisons

McCoy profiles as a man-press corner with elite ball skills, akin to Sauce Gardner traits. Clean medicals could make him CB1.

Brazzell offers X-receiver size with deep-threat speed, comparable to Dont’e Thornton (another Vol draftee). Athletic testing at the Combine—critical for him—could solidify top-50 status.

Both represent Heupel’s player development: McCoy from transfer to All-American; Brazzell from underperformer to 1,000-yard threat.

Fan and Analyst Reactions

Vol Nation reacted bittersweetly—pride in NFL pipelines mixed with concern over departures. Social media buzzed with support, while analysts noted Tennessee’s streak of producing receivers (Hyatt, Tillman, Thornton, now Brazzell).

Heupel: “Proud of what they’ve accomplished… Excited for their futures.”

Historical Context: Tennessee’s NFL Pipeline Under Heupel

Since 2021, Heupel has overseen numerous draftees, including Hendon Hooker, Byron Young, and recent 2025 picks like James Pearce Jr. McCoy and Brazzell continue the trend, potentially joining high selections.

Looking Ahead: 2026 Outlook

With Aguilar’s eligibility exhausted, quarterback stability (via portal or youth) looms large. Defensive overhaul under Knowles offers hope.

McCoy and Brazzell’s decisions, while losses, validate Tennessee’s resurgence. As the 2026 Draft approaches in Green Bay (April 23-25), Vols fans will cheer two more entering the pros.

In modern college football, such departures are inevitable—but they also signal a program’s arrival.