By: NATE DEVILLE

Within the graveyard that is the 2025-26 Tennessee Volunteers secondary, lies a promising flower.  

Redshirt sophomore defensive back Colton Hood has emerged as CB1 in Knoxville, as injuries to veteran DB’s Jermod McCoy and Rickey Gibson III have kept them out of action this season. 

“You always gotta be ready,” said Hood on the opportunity this season has provided. 

“Growing up, I was never anybody’s first choice. I always [had] the next man up mentality.” 

Hood transferred to Rocky Top in May, after playing one season at Colorado where he received starting action in his redshirt freshman season.  

The McDonough, Georgia native began his collegiate career at Auburn, where he played briefly before earning a redshirt. 

In his first and likely last season with the Vols, Hood has caught the attention of NFL scouts and various mock draft boards with his impressive play. ESPN’s Mel Kiper has Hood as the No.5 overall cornerback in the upcoming NFL draft. 

Tasked with staying grounded and committed to the Vols while being mentioned in NFL discussions, Hood has maintained an impressive headspace. 

“It can be distracting if your mind and heart’s not in the right place. Those types of things you shouldn't worry about until after the season's over,” the DB said. 

“Everybody on the team is pretty focused on the games right now… but it can be [a distraction] if you let it.” 

Through nine games of play, Hood has recorded 27 solo tackles, an SEC fourth-best seven pass deflections and an explosive pick six against Mississippi State.  

With Tennessee’s defense allowing the most passing yards per game of any SEC team, consistent performances from Hood have been a bright spot in this nightmarish season for defensive coordinator Tim Banks’ group. 

Tennessee suffered a crucial loss to Oklahoma last weekend, plummeting its College Football Playoff odds. Now at 6-3, barring a miracle, the Volunteers will not make the playoffs. 

With just three games remaining on the schedule, Hood & Co. shift their focus to New Mexico State, following a week 10 bye, with the same intentions as always. 

“I think College Football Playoff or bust is misleading… of course you don't want to lose, of course you want to make the playoffs… but each week, regardless of what the playoff implications are, we just want to go be our best selves,” Hood said. 

With his sophomore season nearing a close, Hood acknowledges the progress he has made but feels there is still more work to be done. 

“I think I've played pretty well. I think there's still some things I could improve on. Some meat I've left on the bone,” Hood said. 

“I treat every day like there's someone behind me trying to beat me out for my spot.” 

On Oct. 28, Hood was named a semifinalist for the Jim Thorpe award, given to the nation’s top defensive back. 

“I'm hoping to win the Jim Thorpe,” Hood said, “but honestly I just hope people say I was a guy who plays hard and plays for his team.

“The personal accolades, of course you want those, everybody wants those, but I just want my teammates to know that I gave my all for them… I think that's my ultimate thing.”