In April, Tennessee football star cornerback Colton Hood saw his dreams become a reality. He was selected in the second round with the 37th overall pick by the New York Giants in the 2026 NFL Draft.
Projected as a first-round pick by multiple outlets, Hood is widely considered as potentially one of the top steals of the draft. Slipping to an early second-round pick, he has the upside of a future star in the league.
An anonymous SEC coordinator seems to agree. An ESPN article featured quotes from coaches across the country, and one sang the praises of Hood.
“He was a one-year starter, did a tremendous job,” an SEC coordinator said in the ESPN article. “His best football is still ahead of him. He’s a tough guy, can run. He’ll do well.”
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Hood finished this year with 50 tackles, eight passes deflected, a forced fumble, an interception and two touchdowns. He was named to the 2025 All-SEC Second Team by the AP for his year.
Though it was just one season, Hood made sure to express how thankful he was to spend a year on Rocky Top after his Pro Day showing last month.
“It’s meant a lot,” Hood said. “I don’t think people understand how much Rocky Top means to me. Just the love from the fans, everything, in totality, all the people, just a great place, an amazing place. I’d say to any recruit out there, you give your all for Rocky Top, they’re going to love you back. Definitely just overwhelmed with emotions and how this place helped me and how I want to help this place.”
Hood started his college career as a four-star recruit at Auburn as a true freshman. However, after just one year, he transferred to Colorado to play under Deion Sanders. After a season with the Buffs, he hit the spring portal to land in Knoxville.
