Key Tennessee Vols player explains confusing social media post that fans thought meant something else

A key Tennessee Vols player explained his confusing social media post on Sunday.

Zach Ragan — Tennessee Volunteers News Writer
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Tennessee Vols redshirt sophomore cornerback Colton Hood posted on social media on Saturday, leaving some fans on Rocky Top confused.

Hood sent a tweet on Saturday that simply said “Year 3” with a checkmark emoji.

Some Vols fans took the tweet to mean that Hood is returning to Rocky Top for the 2026 season instead of entering the NFL Draft.

Hood, however, took to Twitter on Sunday to note that his social media post was a reflection of his 2025 season at Tennessee, while also indicating that he hasn’t decided on his future yet.

“This is not a staying or going post, just a highlight tape for year [three],” tweeted Hood.

Colton Hood was listed as a first-round pick in ESPN’s latest mock draft

The latest 2026 NFL Mock Draft from ESPN has Hood getting selected with the No. 30 overall pick by the New England Patriots.

“Hood has some areas to clean up with his technique, but there’s an infectious energy that you see every time you watch him play,” wrote ESPN’s Field Yates. “He posted 10 pass breakups this season — his first with Tennessee after spending one season at Colorado and his freshman year at Auburn. Hood loves the challenge of man coverage and can be an aggressive player in run support.”

Hood, who transferred from Colorado to Tennessee ahead of the 2025 season, was a massively important addition for the Vols this past season.

The Georgia native performed at a high level for Tennessee in 2025 while essentially filling in for Jermod McCoy, who missed the entire season with a torn ACL.

If Hood doesn’t return to Tennessee in 2026, Rickey Gibson Jr. and Ty Redmond would likely serve as the Vols’ starting cornerbacks next fall.

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