Jermod McCoy has officially earned a spot on the Pro Football Focus (PFF) Preseason All-America Team, an honor that cements his status as one of the premier players in college football heading into the 2025 season. The recognition is not only a testament to his production on the field but also an indicator of the growing national respect for a player whose work ethic, physicality, and consistency have made him a cornerstone of his program.
Standing at 6-foot-2 and weighing in at 305 pounds, McCoy is an immovable force on the interior defensive line. What separates him from others at his position isn’t just his brute strength—it’s his rare combination of explosiveness, hand technique, and football IQ. That trifecta is exactly what led PFF to highlight him as one of the best in the country, and why NFL scouts have already begun to circle his name on draft boards.
Last season, McCoy was a wrecking ball in the trenches. He logged 41 total tackles, including 10.5 tackles for loss and 6 sacks, a remarkable output for a defensive tackle who often faced double teams. Even more impressive than the numbers was his ability to disrupt opposing offenses beyond the stat sheet. Quarterbacks were frequently forced to adjust throws, offensive linemen were repeatedly overwhelmed, and running backs often found nowhere to go when McCoy occupied the interior gaps. His presence changed game plans, and his influence was felt in every quarter.
PFF, known for its detailed film review and analytical approach to player grading, placed McCoy on its First-Team All-America list, ranking him among elite company. The site praised his ability to win at the point of attack and collapse the pocket with consistency. They also noted his low missed tackle rate and elite run-stopping grade, further underscoring the completeness of his game. PFF’s metrics show that McCoy not only excels in one area—he’s dominant across the board.
For McCoy, this recognition is the product of years of quiet determination. He wasn’t a five-star recruit or a household name when he arrived on campus, but his dedication in the weight room, attention to detail in film sessions, and relentless drive during practice quickly set him apart. Coaches have repeatedly pointed to McCoy as the kind of player who leads by example, rarely taking a play off and always looking for ways to improve.
That leadership has extended beyond just his personal development. McCoy has become a vocal presence in the locker room, a mentor to younger teammates, and an emotional anchor for the defense. His teammates often cite his energy as contagious, and his willingness to do the dirty work—taking on double teams, occupying blockers, and freeing up linebackers—has earned him universal respect within the program.
Heading into the 2025 season, expectations are sky-high for McCoy and his team. With a stacked schedule and national title hopes in the conversation, his performance will be critical to setting the tone on defense. If his previous seasons are any indication, he won’t just meet those expectations—he’ll exceed them.
Opponents have taken notice. Offensive coordinators are already planning around McCoy, trying to find ways to neutralize his impact. But that’s easier said than done. His ability to explode off the snap and diagnose plays in real time gives him a unique edge. Whether he’s stuffing the run on first down or chasing down quarterbacks on third, McCoy is a game-changer in every sense of the word.
And while preseason accolades are just that—preseason—the All-America nod from PFF isn’t hollow praise. It reflects deep, data-backed recognition of McCoy’s skills and consistency, earned through countless hours of preparation and unrelenting effort. It also puts him on the national radar in a big way. NFL scouts, college football analysts, and Heisman voters alike will be watching.
In a sport where headlines often go to quarterbacks and skill players, McCoy’s emergence as a star defensive lineman is a reminder of where games are won and lost: in the trenches. His rise represents not just personal success, but a shift in how elite defensive tackles are valued in the modern game. With versatility to play in multiple fronts, enough burst to function as a pass rusher, and the strength to control the point of attack, McCoy is redefining what it means to be dominant on the interior line.
There’s also a sense that McCoy’s best football is still ahead of him. His technique has improved with every passing season, and his understanding of blocking schemes has reached a level that allows him to anticipate plays before they unfold. He’s no longer reacting—he’s dictating.
As the season approaches, McCoy remains focused. He’s said repeatedly that individual accolades are nice, but they come second to team goals. That humility, coupled with his undeniable talent, is part of what makes him such a special player. For now, the PFF Preseason All-America recognition stands as a celebration of what he’s accomplished and a preview of what’s to come.
If McCoy continues on his current trajectory, this preseason honor will be just the beginning. He’s a future high draft pick, a leader among men, and a disruptive force who demands attention on every snap. For fans, coaches, and opponents alike, the message is clear: Jermod McCoy is not just one of the best players in college football—he’s one of the most important.
