The 2026 NFL Scouting Combine is set to bring together 319 of college football’s top prospects, and Tennessee will be well represented in Indianapolis. Six Volunteers are heading to Lucas Oil Stadium with a chance to boost their draft stock - and potentially reshape the narrative around Tennessee’s pipeline to the pros.
Let’s break it down.
The Headliners: McCoy, Brazzell II, and Hood
The name drawing the most buzz right now is cornerback Jermod McCoy. He’s widely regarded as one of the top defensive backs in this year’s class, with many scouts placing him ahead of LSU’s Mansoor Delane as the No. 1 corner in the draft.
McCoy checks all the boxes - size, speed, instincts, ball skills - and a strong week in Indy could lock him into the top half of the first round. He’s that good.
Chris Brazzell II, the explosive wide receiver, is another name to watch. He’s been mocked anywhere from late first to early second round, but the Combine is tailor-made for a player with his athletic profile. If Brazzell runs well and shows off his route-running polish in position drills, don’t be surprised if he sneaks into the top 32.
Colton Hood, another cornerback with upside, is in a similar boat. He’s hovering around the first-round conversation, and like Brazzell, his performance in front of general managers and scouts could be the difference between being a Thursday night pick or waiting until Friday.
The Risers: Kitselman, Josephs, and Eason
Tight end Miles Kitselman, defensive lineman Joshua Josephs, and fellow lineman Bryson Eason are all looking to climb into Day 2 territory. None are considered locks in the top 100 just yet, but all three have traits that NFL teams covet.
Kitselman brings size and physicality to the tight end spot, and if he can flash fluid movement and reliable hands during drills, he’ll start turning heads. Josephs and Eason, meanwhile, have a real shot to rise with strong showings in the athletic testing and positional work. The Combine is where edge rushers and interior defenders can really make money - especially if they test better than expected.
What This Means for Tennessee Football
There’s a bigger story here than just six names on a list. Tennessee is sending a diverse group to the Combine - receivers, tight ends, corners, defensive linemen. That kind of positional variety speaks volumes about the program’s development across the board.
This isn’t just a school that churns out one type of player. The Vols have had recent success putting running backs, linebackers, and offensive linemen into the league. Now, they’re showcasing depth and versatility - and that matters when recruits and NFL teams are watching.
It’s also worth noting the trajectory. With Jim Knowles now running the defense - one of the most respected defensive minds in the game - Tennessee’s production on that side of the ball should only improve. That means more prospects, more Combine invites, and more draft-day buzz in the years to come.
And let’s not forget head coach Josh Heupel’s role in all this. He’s turned the Vols into a legitimate NFL factory, with recent Pro Bowl selections and even a Super Bowl winner in Velus Jones Jr. The 2026 recruiting class was already a big win for the program, and seeing more players head to the league - especially in the early rounds - is only going to strengthen Tennessee’s presence on the recruiting trail.
Bottom line: the Vols are building something sustainable. Six players at the Combine is a strong showing. But it might just be the beginning.