(Photo credit: Jacob Musselman-Imagn Images)

Tennessee cornerback Jermod McCoy is ready to fight his way back into the debate among candidates to be the first cover man off the board in the 2026 NFL Draft.

McCoy said Thursday at the NFL Scouting Combine that he's fully recovered from the torn ACL in January 2025 that required him to sit out the 2025 season. He won't participate in on-field testing in Indianapolis but is anticipating a crowd at Tennessee's pro day. McCoy said he has been cleared for months and considered returning for part of the regular season with the Vols before determining his next step was to the NFL.

'I got cleared,' the 20-year-old said. 'I was doing everything, practicing, everything. I just didn't feel ready yet.'

A second-team All-American in 2024, McCoy played one season at Tennessee following his transfer from Oregon State. This week, McCoy underwent a full medical evaluation, common for every pro prospect invited to the annual combine, and has no concerns about his health moving forward.

'I can do everything,' McCoy said of his current physical capacity.

While he was out, Tennessee's Colton Hood emerged as a shutdown cornerback, giving the Vols a pair of candidates to be selected in the first round in April. LSU's Mansoor Delane and Avieon Terrell of Clemson are also in the top 25 overall and probable first-rounders.

Delane gave up only 13 receptions and six first downs in the 2025 season. And the All-American is hardly one-dimensional.

He said he plays with 'maturation' but thrives in the physical aspect of the game to the extent he would rather play middle linebacker.

'Others might be scared to tackle but I love it,' he said.

--Field Level Media