Former Tennessee Vols defensive back named by ESPN as one of the top 'nonstarters' to know in the NFL in 2025

A former Tennessee Vols defensive back who went undrafted in 2024 was named this week by ESPN as one of the top "nonstarters" to know in the NFL this fall. 

ESPN pointed out Los Angeles Rams safety Jalyen McCollough as one of their top nonstarting players to know in 2025. 

McCollough, a former four-star recruit, played at Tennessee from 2019 to 2023. 

From ESPN: Safety Jaylen McCollough. As an undrafted rookie, "Tank" got a surprising amount of playing time behind the Rams' two Kamrens (Kinchens and Curl) at safety last season. McCollough played at least 25% of defensive snaps in 10 different regular-season contests, moving back and forth between the box and dropping deep. Last season, he particularly excelled at covering running backs, with a minus-13.6% coverage DVOA (negative numbers are better).

McCollough played in 60 games with 51 starts (a program record) for the Vols.

The Georgia native totaled 242 tackles, two sacks, and six interceptions during his time at Tennessee. 

McCollough was a surprise for the Rams as a rookie last season, playing in all 17 games and recording four interceptions after battling to make the roster during training camp.