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2026 NFL draft: Tennessee football best available players
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- 2026 NFL draft: Tennessee football best available players
The NFL draft will kick off Thursday with the first round in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Rounds 2-3 will take place Friday, while rounds 4-7 will conclude the NFL draft on Saturday.
Tennessee has produced 391 all-time NFL draft picks, including the AFL draft which merged in 1967.
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Two former Vols have been selected No. 1 overall. George Cafego was selected No. 1 in the 1940 NFL draft by the Chicago Cardinals. Peyton Manning was also drafted No. 1 overall in 1998 by Indianapolis .
17 Tennessee players have been drafted during the Josh Heupel era.
Ahead of the 2026 NFL draft, ESPN released best available player rankings for 400 prospects , including nine former Vols who are listed below.
More: Where former Vols are projected in 2026 seven-round NFL mock draft
2026 NFL draft: Tennessee football best available players
Tennessee defensive back Jermod McCoy versus Ryan Williams and Alabama on Oct. 19, 2024 at Neyland Stadium.
| Player |
Position |
Overall rank |
|---|---|---|
| CB |
No. 16 |
|
| CB |
No. 31 |
|
| WR |
No. 42 |
|
| Edge |
No. 94 |
|
| DT |
No. 171 |
|
| QB |
No. 243 |
|
| TE |
No. 292 |
|
| S |
No. 358 |
|
| Tyre West |
Edge |
No. 369 |
Faizon Brandon. Orange & White Game at Neyland Stadium in Knoxville, Tennessee on April 11, 2026.
(Dan Harralson/Vols Wire)
DeSean Bishop. Orange & White Game at Neyland Stadium in Knoxville, Tennessee on April 11, 2026.
(Dan Harralson/Vols Wire)
Justin Baker. Orange & White Game at Neyland Stadium in Knoxville, Tennessee on April 11, 2026.
(Dan Harralson/Vols Wire)
Jesse Perry. Orange & White Game at Neyland Stadium in Knoxville, Tennessee on April 11, 2026.
(Dan Harralson/Vols Wire)
TK Keys. Orange & White Game at Neyland Stadium in Knoxville, Tennessee on April 11, 2026.
(Dan Harralson/Vols Wire)
Jim Knowles. Orange & White Game at Neyland Stadium in Knoxville, Tennessee on April 11, 2026.
(Dan Harralson/Vols Wire)
David Sanders Jr. Orange & White Game at Neyland Stadium in Knoxville, Tennessee on April 11, 2026.
(Dan Harralson/Vols Wire)
George MacIntyre. Orange & White Game at Neyland Stadium in Knoxville, Tennessee on April 11, 2026.
(Dan Harralson/Vols Wire)
Zach Groves. Orange & White Game at Neyland Stadium in Knoxville, Tennessee on April 11, 2026.
(Dan Harralson/Vols Wire)
Ory Williams. Orange & White Game at Neyland Stadium in Knoxville, Tennessee on April 11, 2026.
(Dan Harralson/Vols Wire)
Ryan Staub. Orange & White Game at Neyland Stadium in Knoxville, Tennessee on April 11, 2026.
(Dan Harralson/Vols Wire)
Jadon Perlotte. Orange & White Game at Neyland Stadium in Knoxville, Tennessee on April 11, 2026.
(Dan Harralson/Vols Wire)
Jeremias Heard. Orange & White Game at Neyland Stadium in Knoxville, Tennessee on April 11, 2026.
(Dan Harralson/Vols Wire)
Trent Thomas. Orange & White Game at Neyland Stadium in Knoxville, Tennessee on April 11, 2026.
(Dan Harralson/Vols Wire)
Gabriel Osenda. Orange & White Game at Neyland Stadium in Knoxville, Tennessee on April 11, 2026.
(Dan Harralson/Vols Wire)
Ethan Utley. Orange & White Game at Neyland Stadium in Knoxville, Tennessee on April 11, 2026.
(Dan Harralson/Vols Wire)
Logan Foley. Orange & White Game at Neyland Stadium in Knoxville, Tennessee on April 11, 2026.
(Dan Harralson/Vols Wire)
George MacIntyre. Orange & White Game at Neyland Stadium in Knoxville, Tennessee on April 11, 2026.
(Dan Harralson/Vols Wire)
Gage Ginther. Orange & White Game at Neyland Stadium in Knoxville, Tennessee on April 11, 2026.
(Dan Harralson/Vols Wire)
Mike Bethea II. Orange & White Game at Neyland Stadium in Knoxville, Tennessee on April 11, 2026.
(Dan Harralson/Vols Wire)
Cole Harrison. Orange & White Game at Neyland Stadium in Knoxville, Tennessee on April 11, 2026.
(Dan Harralson/Vols Wire)
Josh Heupel. Orange & White Game at Neyland Stadium in Knoxville, Tennessee on April 11, 2026.
(Dan Harralson/Vols Wire)
Luca Wolf. Orange & White Game at Neyland Stadium in Knoxville, Tennessee on April 11, 2026.
(Dan Harralson/Vols Wire)
Joel Wyatt. Orange & White Game at Neyland Stadium in Knoxville, Tennessee on April 11, 2026.
(Dan Harralson/Vols Wire)
Cooper Ranvier. Orange & White Game at Neyland Stadium in Knoxville, Tennessee on April 11, 2026.
(Dan Harralson/Vols Wire)
Josh Heupel. Orange & White Game at Neyland Stadium in Knoxville, Tennessee on April 11, 2026.
(Dan Harralson/Vols Wire)
Faizon Brandon. Orange & White Game at Neyland Stadium in Knoxville, Tennessee on April 11, 2026.
(Dan Harralson/Vols Wire)
Ed Baker. Orange & White Game at Neyland Stadium in Knoxville, Tennessee on April 11, 2026.
(Dan Harralson/Vols Wire)
Faizon Brandon. Orange & White Game at Neyland Stadium in Knoxville, Tennessee on April 11, 2026.
(Dan Harralson/Vols Wire)
George MacIntyre. Orange & White Game at Neyland Stadium in Knoxville, Tennessee on April 11, 2026.
(Dan Harralson/Vols Wire)
Gage Ginther. Orange & White Game at Neyland Stadium in Knoxville, Tennessee on April 11, 2026.
(Dan Harralson/Vols Wire)
Faizon Brandon. Orange & White Game at Neyland Stadium in Knoxville, Tennessee on April 11, 2026.
(Dan Harralson/Vols Wire)
Jeremiah Telander. Orange & White Game at Neyland Stadium in Knoxville, Tennessee on April 11, 2026.
(Dan Harralson/Vols Wire)
Jim Knowles. Orange & White Game at Neyland Stadium in Knoxville, Tennessee on April 11, 2026.
(Dan Harralson/Vols Wire)
Faizon Brandon. Orange & White Game at Neyland Stadium in Knoxville, Tennessee on April 11, 2026.
(Dan Harralson/Vols Wire)
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PHOTOS: 2026 Tennessee football Orange & White Game
Faizon Brandon. Orange & White Game at Neyland Stadium in Knoxville, Tennessee on April 11, 2026.
(Dan Harralson/Vols Wire)
1
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PHOTOS: 2026 Tennessee football Orange & White Game
Faizon Brandon. Orange & White Game at Neyland Stadium in Knoxville, Tennessee on April 11, 2026.
(Dan Harralson/Vols Wire)
2
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PHOTOS: 2026 Tennessee football Orange & White Game
DeSean Bishop. Orange & White Game at Neyland Stadium in Knoxville, Tennessee on April 11, 2026.
(Dan Harralson/Vols Wire)
3
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2026 Tennessee football position preview: Running backs
Justin Baker. Orange & White Game at Neyland Stadium in Knoxville, Tennessee on April 11, 2026.
(Dan Harralson/Vols Wire)
4
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2026 Tennessee football depth chart projection: Offense
Jesse Perry. Orange & White Game at Neyland Stadium in Knoxville, Tennessee on April 11, 2026.
(Dan Harralson/Vols Wire)
5
/35
PHOTOS: 2026 Tennessee football Orange & White Game
TK Keys. Orange & White Game at Neyland Stadium in Knoxville, Tennessee on April 11, 2026.
(Dan Harralson/Vols Wire)
6
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Jim Knowles discusses Tennessee's ability to generate pass rush
Jim Knowles. Orange & White Game at Neyland Stadium in Knoxville, Tennessee on April 11, 2026.
(Dan Harralson/Vols Wire)
7
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2026 Tennessee football depth chart projection: Offense
David Sanders Jr. Orange & White Game at Neyland Stadium in Knoxville, Tennessee on April 11, 2026.
(Dan Harralson/Vols Wire)
8
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PHOTOS: 2026 Tennessee football Orange & White Game
George MacIntyre. Orange & White Game at Neyland Stadium in Knoxville, Tennessee on April 11, 2026.
(Dan Harralson/Vols Wire)
9
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PHOTOS: 2026 Tennessee football Orange & White Game
Zach Groves. Orange & White Game at Neyland Stadium in Knoxville, Tennessee on April 11, 2026.
(Dan Harralson/Vols Wire)
10
/35
2026 Tennessee football depth chart projection: Offense
Ory Williams. Orange & White Game at Neyland Stadium in Knoxville, Tennessee on April 11, 2026.
(Dan Harralson/Vols Wire)
11
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PHOTOS: 2026 Tennessee football Orange & White Game
Ryan Staub. Orange & White Game at Neyland Stadium in Knoxville, Tennessee on April 11, 2026.
(Dan Harralson/Vols Wire)
12
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Execution, consistency detailed for Jadon Perlotte in fall camp
Jadon Perlotte. Orange & White Game at Neyland Stadium in Knoxville, Tennessee on April 11, 2026.
(Dan Harralson/Vols Wire)
13
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PHOTOS: 2026 Tennessee football Orange & White Game
Jeremias Heard. Orange & White Game at Neyland Stadium in Knoxville, Tennessee on April 11, 2026.
(Dan Harralson/Vols Wire)
14
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2026 Tennessee football preview: Trent Thomas
Trent Thomas. Orange & White Game at Neyland Stadium in Knoxville, Tennessee on April 11, 2026.
(Dan Harralson/Vols Wire)
15
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2026 Tennessee football preview: Gabriel Osenda
Gabriel Osenda. Orange & White Game at Neyland Stadium in Knoxville, Tennessee on April 11, 2026.
(Dan Harralson/Vols Wire)
16
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PHOTOS: 2026 Tennessee football Orange & White Game
Ethan Utley. Orange & White Game at Neyland Stadium in Knoxville, Tennessee on April 11, 2026.
(Dan Harralson/Vols Wire)
17
/35
Tennessee football players all time from Australia
Logan Foley. Orange & White Game at Neyland Stadium in Knoxville, Tennessee on April 11, 2026.
(Dan Harralson/Vols Wire)
18
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PHOTOS: 2026 Tennessee football Orange & White Game
George MacIntyre. Orange & White Game at Neyland Stadium in Knoxville, Tennessee on April 11, 2026.
(Dan Harralson/Vols Wire)
19
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2026 Tennessee football preview: Gage Ginther
Gage Ginther. Orange & White Game at Neyland Stadium in Knoxville, Tennessee on April 11, 2026.
(Dan Harralson/Vols Wire)
20
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2026 Tennessee football preview: Mike Bethea II
Mike Bethea II. Orange & White Game at Neyland Stadium in Knoxville, Tennessee on April 11, 2026.
(Dan Harralson/Vols Wire)
21
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2026 Tennessee football position preview: Tight ends
Cole Harrison. Orange & White Game at Neyland Stadium in Knoxville, Tennessee on April 11, 2026.
(Dan Harralson/Vols Wire)
22
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Chaz Coleman's status with Tennessee 'moving forward is unclear'
Josh Heupel. Orange & White Game at Neyland Stadium in Knoxville, Tennessee on April 11, 2026.
(Dan Harralson/Vols Wire)
23
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PHOTOS: 2026 Tennessee football Orange & White Game
Luca Wolf. Orange & White Game at Neyland Stadium in Knoxville, Tennessee on April 11, 2026.
(Dan Harralson/Vols Wire)
24
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PHOTOS: 2026 Tennessee football Orange & White Game
Joel Wyatt. Orange & White Game at Neyland Stadium in Knoxville, Tennessee on April 11, 2026.
(Dan Harralson/Vols Wire)
25
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PHOTOS: 2026 Tennessee football Orange & White Game
Cooper Ranvier. Orange & White Game at Neyland Stadium in Knoxville, Tennessee on April 11, 2026.
(Dan Harralson/Vols Wire)
26
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PHOTOS: 2026 Tennessee football Orange & White Game
Josh Heupel. Orange & White Game at Neyland Stadium in Knoxville, Tennessee on April 11, 2026.
(Dan Harralson/Vols Wire)
27
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PHOTOS: 2026 Tennessee football Orange & White Game
Faizon Brandon. Orange & White Game at Neyland Stadium in Knoxville, Tennessee on April 11, 2026.
(Dan Harralson/Vols Wire)
28
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PHOTOS: 2026 Tennessee football Orange & White Game
Ed Baker. Orange & White Game at Neyland Stadium in Knoxville, Tennessee on April 11, 2026.
(Dan Harralson/Vols Wire)
29
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2026 Tennessee football position preview: Quarterbacks
Faizon Brandon. Orange & White Game at Neyland Stadium in Knoxville, Tennessee on April 11, 2026.
(Dan Harralson/Vols Wire)
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PHOTOS: 2026 Tennessee football Orange & White Game
George MacIntyre. Orange & White Game at Neyland Stadium in Knoxville, Tennessee on April 11, 2026.
(Dan Harralson/Vols Wire)
31
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2026 Tennessee football preview: Gage Ginther
Gage Ginther. Orange & White Game at Neyland Stadium in Knoxville, Tennessee on April 11, 2026.
(Dan Harralson/Vols Wire)
32
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PHOTOS: 2026 Tennessee football Orange & White Game
Faizon Brandon. Orange & White Game at Neyland Stadium in Knoxville, Tennessee on April 11, 2026.
(Dan Harralson/Vols Wire)
33
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PHOTOS: 2026 Tennessee football Orange & White Game
Jeremiah Telander. Orange & White Game at Neyland Stadium in Knoxville, Tennessee on April 11, 2026.
(Dan Harralson/Vols Wire)
34
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PHOTOS: 2026 Tennessee football Orange & White Game
Jim Knowles. Orange & White Game at Neyland Stadium in Knoxville, Tennessee on April 11, 2026.
(Dan Harralson/Vols Wire)
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PHOTOS: 2026 Tennessee football Orange & White Game
Faizon Brandon. Orange & White Game at Neyland Stadium in Knoxville, Tennessee on April 11, 2026.
(Dan Harralson/Vols Wire)
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This article originally appeared on Vols Wire: Tennessee football best available players for 2026 NFL draft
