Colorado Transfer Defensive Back Could Be The Vols’ Next Star

Image: Tennessee Athletics

By Aidan Sidoti

We’re almost officially one month out from kickoff at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta against Syracuse.

While most of the offseason talk has centered around the Volunteers quarterback controversy and offensive overhaul, the defense, particularly the Vols secondary, may be the strongest unit heading into the 2025 season. 

One of the most notable additions to that group is Colorado transfer DB Colton Hood, the redshirt sophomore from McDonough, Georgia started his career at Auburn before transferring to the Buffaloes for the 2024 season, becoming one of the most reliable cornerbacks in the Big 12. 

Hood played in all 13 games last season for Deion Sanders’ squad, amassing 24 tackles, two interceptions, and six PBU’s, while incredibly allowing zero touchdowns in coverage. 

His breakout performance came against Kansas State, a game in which he replaced an injured Travis Hunter and included a 59-yard interception return that set up a touchdown late in the fourth quarter.

Now in Knoxville, Hood joins a secondary that’s talented but in transition. Future first-round pick Jermod McCoy is still recovering from an ACL tear and his return timeline is uncertain, Hood is expected to compete for a starting role alongside redshirt senior Jalen McMurray and rising junior Rickey Gibson lll. 

“He brings a lot of speed, a lot of quick decisiveness in run-pass,” said linebacker Arion Carter at SEC Media Days. “I feel (he’s) really good in run-pass defense…and fitting in very, very well.” 

With three years of eligibility remaining, Hood could be the unsung hero in a reloaded Tennessee secondary that not many people are talking about.