Six Tennessee Vols Headed to the 2026 NFL Combine: Who’s Rising, Who’s Ready
It wasn’t a banner year for Tennessee football in 2025, but don’t let the record fool you - there’s real NFL talent coming out of Knoxville. The Vols are sending six players to the 2026 NFL Combine, a key stop on the road to the draft where prospects get their chance to shine under the microscope of NFL scouts, coaches, and general managers.
The combine - set for February 23 through March 2 in Indianapolis - is where physical tools meet mental preparation. For these six former Vols, it's a chance to turn potential into draft stock. Let’s break down who’s heading to Indy and what’s at stake.
The Six Vols Invited to the Combine:
- Chris Brazzell II, WR
- Miles Kitselman, TE
- Bryson Eason, DT
- Joshua Josephs, DE
- Colton Hood, CB
- Jermod McCoy, CB
That’s a solid group, with a little bit of everything - size, speed, versatility, and upside. And while all six have something to prove, it’s the cornerback duo of Jermod McCoy and Colton Hood that’s drawing serious first-round buzz.
Jermod McCoy: First-Round Talent, Medical Question Mark
McCoy’s story is one of both promise and perseverance. After transferring in from Oregon State, he quickly established himself as a lockdown presence in the Tennessee secondary. But an ACL tear in January 2025 sidelined him for the entire season - a brutal blow for a player who was widely projected as a top-10 pick.
Still, McCoy’s talent is undeniable. He’s long, fluid, and instinctive - the kind of corner who can shadow top receivers and make quarterbacks think twice.
If his medicals check out in Indy, he could still land in the top 15. Teams know what he brings when healthy: a potential CB1 with elite traits.
Colton Hood: The Breakout Star
While McCoy rehabbed, Colton Hood stepped into the spotlight - and made the most of it. The former Colorado Buffalo was one of the most consistent man-to-man corners in the country this past season.
He’s sticky in coverage, physical at the line, and doesn’t shy away from contact in the run game. In short, he plays with the kind of edge NFL teams love.
Hood’s draft stock has been climbing steadily, and some mock drafts have him going in the top 20. That’s no surprise - he’s the kind of corner who can step in and contribute early, especially in schemes that value press coverage and physicality.
The Rest of the Vols: Underrated and Hungry
The other four Tennessee prospects may not be generating first-round headlines, but don’t sleep on their potential.
- Chris Brazzell II brings intriguing upside at wide receiver. He’s got size and speed, and if he can put together a strong showing in the 40-yard dash and positional drills, he could start climbing boards quickly.
- Miles Kitselman, a tight end with a big frame, will be looking to show off his hands and blocking ability.
In a draft class that’s light on elite tight ends, a strong combine could be a difference-maker for him.
- Bryson Eason and Joshua Josephs bring juice to the defensive front. Eason is a stout interior lineman who can plug gaps and hold his own against the run, while Josephs has the kind of first-step quickness that could catch eyes in edge-rushing drills.
What’s Next?
The combine is more than just a workout - it’s a job interview, a proving ground, and for some, a launching pad. Tennessee may not have had a dominant season on the field, but the program is still producing NFL-caliber talent. With six players invited to Indy, the Vols are well-represented, and several of them have a legitimate shot to make waves in April’s draft.
Keep an eye on McCoy and Hood - both have the tools to be early picks. But don’t be surprised if one of the other four makes a splash.
The combine has a way of turning under-the-radar names into draft-day risers. And for these former Vols, the spotlight is just getting started.