The Tennessee Volunteers' defense is gearing up for an exciting 2026, with one big question looming: who will rise to the occasion in the secondary? All eyes are on sophomore cornerback Ty Redmond. After a standout freshman year in 2025, where he racked up 39 tackles, a tackle for loss, 10 pass breakups, and three interceptions, Redmond's performance earned him a spot on the All-SEC Third Team and the All-SEC Freshman Team.
Redmond's potential hasn't gone unnoticed by his teammates. At the NFL Combine, Tennessee star cornerback Jermod McCoy didn't hold back his praise, predicting that Redmond is on track to become an All-American next season. McCoy, who is known for his elite skills, highlighted how Redmond has learned from him and fellow cornerback Colton Hood, setting the stage for a breakout year.
This endorsement from McCoy is significant, especially as Tennessee looks to bolster a pass defense that faced challenges last season. With Jim Knowles at the helm, there's an expectation that the defense will take a step forward. If Redmond can elevate his game to an elite level, the Volunteers might be in for a remarkable season.
Adding to the defensive mix, Tennessee has reinforced their roster with starting-caliber safeties and boasts a formidable linebacker group, led by the return of Arion Carter and the retention of freshman standout Edwin Spillman. While there are still some questions about the defensive line, the overall unit is poised for improvement.
The focus now is on maintaining the team's health during the offseason and ensuring a productive spring as Knowles implements his new defensive strategies. With Redmond's potential and the right support around him, Tennessee's defense could transform into a formidable force in 2026. The pieces are in place; now it's about putting them together.