2026 NFL Prospect Profile: Tennessee Cornerback Colton Hood

Tennessee cornerback Colton Hood has emerged as a lockdown cover corner with a breakout season in the SEC that has significantly boosted his draft stock. After transferring to Tennessee from Colorado (and previously beginning his career at Auburn), Hood’s lone season with the Volunteers showcased his versatility, ball skills, and playmaking instincts, leading him to declare for the 2026 NFL Draft and draw strong early interest from NFL evaluators. 

Hood (6-0, 195 pounds) arrived in Knoxville last offseason through the transfer portal and immediately became a weekend starter in an SEC cornerback room. He responded by becoming a consistent disruptor in both man and zone schemes, challenging some of the nation’s top collegiate receivers week after week. Throughout the 2025 season, Hood logged impressive coverage grades while limiting targets, indicators of how disciplined and technically sound he has become on the ball.  

Hood’s on-field production for Tennessee speaks volumes about his impact. He finished the season with 50 tackles, eight pass breakups, 4.5 tackles for loss, one interception, and multiple defensive scores, including a pick-six against Mississippi State and a fumble return touchdown against Syracuse. That rare pair of defensive scores in a single campaign underscores his ability to not only defend the pass but also to create game-changing plays when the opportunity arises.  

His performance earned him Second-Team All-SEC honors and a spot as a Jim Thorpe Award semifinalist, a nod to his stature among the nation’s best defensive backs. Hood’s Pro Football Focus coverage metrics were among the top in the conference, showing his ability to limit receptions and hold quarterbacks to a low passer rating when targeted.  

What separates Hood from many of his peers is his versatility in coverage. He demonstrates the ability to play tight man coverage, press receivers at the line of scrimmage, and transition smoothly in zone coverage. Scouts also like his trajectory, as his experience at multiple programs has exposed him to different defensive systems and responsibilities, enhancing his football intelligence and pre-snap awareness.  

Strengths

Sticky Coverage Skills

Hood consistently stays attached to receivers in man coverage and uses his length to disrupt timing.  

Playmaking Ability

Two defensive touchdowns and multiple turnovers highlight his knack for creating impact plays.  

SEC Production

Strong performance against top competition in one of college football’s toughest conferences.  

Ball Skills

Good instincts and timing allow Hood to break on the ball effectively in both zone and man coverage.  

Versatility

Comfortable in press, off coverage, and mixed scheme responsibilities.  

Weaknesses

Run Support Consistency

While improved, he can refine his tackling technique and consistency in the open field. 

Physicality vs. Elite Receivers

Adding functional strength to handle bigger receivers at the next level could enhance his profile. 

Discipline in Short-Area Reaction

Occasional hesitation in short break reactions can allow separation at shorter depths. 

Special Teams Role

Not projected as a significant special teams contributor beyond defensive snaps. 

Conclusion

Colton Hood’s decision to enter the 2026 NFL Draft caps a breakout season that saw him emerge as a reliable, playmaking cornerback in SEC competition. His combination of coverage consistency, turnover production, and adaptability in defensive schemes makes him a compelling prospect as NFL teams look to bolster their secondary corps.  

Draft Nation currently projects Hood as an early Day 2 selection. With his proven ability to compete against elite talent, Hood has the tools to become a dependable NFL starter and a cornerstone of a pro secondary, particularly in systems that prioritize sticky coverage and ball disruption.