National outlet projects Vols newcomer as a first round draft pick in 2026 while dropping quote that will get Tennessee fans excited

CBS Sports’ Mike Renner has a Tennessee Vols newcomer projected as a first round selection in the 2026 NFL Draft. Renner’s latest mock draft has Vols redshirt sophomore cornerback Colton Hood going to the Cleveland Browns with the No. 16 overall selection in next spring’s NFL draft. Hood is in his first season with the […]

Zach Ragan Tennessee Volunteers News Writer
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CBS Sports’ Mike Renner has a Tennessee Vols newcomer projected as a first round selection in the 2026 NFL Draft.

Renner’s latest mock draft has Vols redshirt sophomore cornerback Colton Hood going to the Cleveland Browns with the No. 16 overall selection in next spring’s NFL draft.

Hood is in his first season with the Vols after transferring from Colorado during the spring transfer window.

The Georgia native has started all four games for the Vols so far this season.

Hood made his presence felt immediately for Tennessee this fall, returning a fumble for a touchdown in the Vols’ season-opening win against Syracuse.

CBS Sports’ Mike Renner made quite the statement about Tennessee’s secondary

While discussing Hood’s draft potential, Renner noted that Tennessee will have the best cornerback duo in the country when Jermod McCoy returns from injury.

McCoy tore his ACL while training during the winter. He’s yet to play in a game for the Vols this season, though he’s been practicing in a limited basis for several weeks.

“If Jermod McCoy ever gets back healthy this season, the Vols will undoubtedly have the best cornerback duo in college football,” wrote Renner. “That’s because Hood has emerged after transferring from Colorado as a lockdown cornerback in his own right. Through four games this season, Hood has allowed four catches on 17 targets for only 32 yards. With both Greg Newsome II and Martin Emerson hitting free agency, Hood would fill a need.”

Hood and true freshman Ty Redmond are currently starting at cornerback for the Vols with McCoy and junior Rickey Gibson sidelined.

McCoy could return as early as Tennessee’s game against Arkansas on October 11. Gibson, however, is likely out for the rest of the season after suffering an injury in the Vols’ win against Syracuse.

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