During the 2026 offseason, the biggest news story surrounding the Tennessee Volunteers has been the quarterback battle between George MacIntyre and Faizon Brandon. Outside of that, the other big question is how Tennessee’s defense will perform under new defensive coordinator Jim Knowles.
However, not enough people are talking about an emerging star who will be only a sophomore in 2026. Ty Redmond is arguably the Vols’ most important piece on defense next season, and it will be only his second season of college football.
So what makes this young cornerback such an important player for Tennessee in 2026?
Ty Redmond Player Profile
Tennessee Volunteers cornerback Ty Redmond was unexpectedly thrust into a starting role as a true freshman in 2025 after season-ending injuries to Jermod McCoy and Rickey Gibson III. During his debut season, the young cornerback led the SEC in pass deflections (12) while starting 12 games. Additionally, Redmond recorded 43 total tackles, including three interceptions and one tackle for a loss.
Not only did Redmond lead the SEC in pass breakups, but he also led all Power Four freshmen in that category. His on-field play earned him Freshman All-America First Team and All-SEC Third Team honors. Pro Football Focus gave Redmond an 81.6 coverage grade, the third-highest among SEC cornerbacks.
During the season opener against Syracuse, Redmond logged four tackles and two pass deflections in his collegiate debut, leading all FBS freshmen. In his SEC opener, Redmond not only started against the No. 6 Georgia Bulldogs but also recorded his first interception, which he returned 38 yards.
Redmond achieved all of this success despite being only a three-star prospect out of high school.
Expectations for 2026
Redmond benefited from being relatively unknown in his first season. However, teams will have an eye on him in 2026. Now that schools are aware of him, he’ll likely see fewer passes thrown in his direction. However, that does not mean he won’t have a successful season.
The ballhawking corner has the length to contest nearly any wide receiver. Redmond is currently listed at 6-foot-3 and 200 pounds, making him one of the taller cornerbacks in the country. Not only does he possess the height that scares offenses, but he also has the instincts of a star player. Redmond excels in coverage and does a fantastic job of predicting where passes will be thrown.
If anyone doubts Redmond’s abilities and thinks his 2025 season was a fluke, here is a statement from his former teammate Jermod McCoy, who was a second-team All-American in 2024 and was recently selected by the Las Vegas Raiders in the fourth round of the 2025 NFL Draft:
There is no doubt that Redmond will face more pressure in 2026 than he did last season. Now that Colton Hood was also selected in the NFL Draft, all eyes will be on Redmond. Thankfully for him, he’s already shown he can defy the odds by excelling in his freshman campaign despite being only a three-star recruit.
Redmond not only has the potential to be the best defensive back in the SEC next season, but he also has the opportunity to become one of the best cornerbacks in the country in 2026.
