BREAKING: Tennessee Volunteers confirms major announcement as it gains recruiting momentum and welcome newcomers to college football

Tennessee turned to the transfer portal to address its defensive secondary struggles from recent seasons, which had been a major weakness for the team. Now, the revamped secondary, featuring both young and experienced players, is starting to come together.

Sophomore safety Jermod McCoy, who transferred from Oregon State in the offseason, has been named one of ESPN’s top 50 newcomers in college football. ESPN’s Eli Lederman and Max Olson compiled the list, highlighting the most impactful new players at the halfway point of the season.

McCoy was Tennessee’s biggest transfer acquisition to strengthen the secondary, alongside MTSU’s Jakobe Thomas. He’s had an impressive first half of the season, earning recognition from ESPN. “McCoy started five games as a true freshman at Oregon State before moving to the SEC,” wrote Lederman and Olson. “The 6-foot, 193-pound corner is young and developing but has had a great start for the Vols, allowing just nine receptions for 107 yards, with four pass breakups and an interception in their win over Oklahoma.”

As a sophomore, McCoy is joined by fellow sophomore Rickey Gibson III and true freshman Boo Carter in Tennessee’s secondary, giving the Vols a promising future on defense.

In addition to being the team’s top cornerback, McCoy also contributes as a punt returner and has excelled in that role so far this season. Tennessee will rely heavily on its secondary when they face Alabama this Saturday, as Jalen Milroe and freshman receiver Ryan Williams are capable of making explosive plays. Head coach Josh Heupel will count on McCoy to prevent big plays from the Tide.