ESPN includes one Tennessee Vols player among their top 100 players in college football

ESPN revealed its list of the top 100 players in college football on Wednesday, and only one Tennessee Vols player was included.

Vols junior cornerback Jermod McCoy came in at No. 31 in ESPN's top 100 rankings.

From ESPN: After transferring from Oregon State, 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 has consistently been included as a first round selection in recent 2026 NFL mock drafts. He's an elite defensive back with obvious NFL traits.

Unfortunately for the Vols, it's unclear when McCoy will make his debut in 2025. The Texas native tore his ACL this past winter, and while he's returned to practice in a limited capacity, Tennessee has yet to provide an estimated date for his return to game action.

“He’s continuing his rehab,” said Vols head coach Josh Heupel last week when asked about McCoy's progress. “I think you saw him out on the practice field with us a few days ago and he’s continuing on that journey.”

It's very unlikely that McCoy plays in the season-opener against the Syracuse Orange. Many view the Volunteers' game against the Georgia Bulldogs in Week 3 as the earliest potential return date for McCoy, though that's purely speculation.