With the 37th pick in the 2026 NFL Draft, the New York Giants selected Tennessee cornerback Colton Hood.
Height: 5'11 5/8"
Weight: 193 lbs
Arm: 31 3/8"
Hand: 9"
40-Yard Dash: 4.44 Seconds
10-Yard Split: 1.58 Seconds
Vertical Jump: 40 1/2''
Broad Jump: 10' 5''
Hometown: McDonough, Ga.
High School: Eagles Landing Christian
Prev School: Auburn/Colorado
CAREER HONORS
2025 Jim Thorpe Award Semifinalist
2025 All-SEC Second Team (AP)
2025 All-SEC Third Team (Coaches)
CAREER
Transfer cornerback who made a major impact in his lone season on Rocky Top … Committed to the Vols in May 2025 after transferring from Colorado … Rounded out the 2025 season earning All-SEC honors from the Associated Press and coaches and was a semifinalist for the Jim Thorpe Award ... Played his redshirt freshman season of 2024 at Colorado where he was part of a starting rotation … Joined the Buffaloes after spending his freshman campaign of 2023 at Auburn … A McDonough, Georgia, native who moved closer to home … Made 77 total tackles during his collegiate career with 5.5 tackles for loss, three interceptions (one for a touchdown), 14 pass breakups, two forced fumbles and one fumble recovery for a touchdown … Played in 29 career games (4 at Auburn, 13 at Colorado, 12 at UT) with 13 starts (1 at Colorado, 12 at UT) … Declared for the 2026 NFL Draft following the 2025 regular season and was invited to the 2026 NFL Combine.
View photos of 37th overall pick Colton Hood, cornerback out of Tennessee.
Tennessee defensive back Colton Hood (8) breaks up a pass intended for New Mexico State tight end Joshua Goines, right, during the first half of an NCAA college football game Saturday, Nov. 15, 2025, in Knoxville, Tenn. (AP Photo/Wade Payne)
TUSCALOOSA, AL - October 18, 2025 - Defensive back Colton Hood #8 of the Tennessee Volunteers during the game between the Alabama Crimson Tide and the Tennessee Volunteers at Bryant-Denny Stadium in Tuscaloosa, AL. Photo By Andrew Ferguson/Tennessee Athletics
STARKVILLE, MS - September 27, 2025 - Defensive back Colton Hood #8 of the Tennessee Volunteers during the game between the Mississippi State Bulldogs and the Tennessee Volunteers at Davis Wade Stadium in Starkville, MS. Photo By Andrew Ferguson/Tennessee Athletics
TUSCALOOSA, AL - October 18, 2025 - Defensive back Colton Hood #8 of the Tennessee Volunteers during the game between the Alabama Crimson Tide and the Tennessee Volunteers at Bryant-Denny Stadium in Tuscaloosa, AL. Photo By Andrew Ferguson/Tennessee Athletics
KNOXVILLE, TN - November 15, 2025 - Defensive back Colton Hood #8 of the Tennessee Volunteers during the game between the New Mexico State Aggies and the Tennessee Volunteers at Neyland Stadium in Knoxville, TN. Photo By Elliot Walker/Tennessee Athletics
STARKVILLE, MS - September 27, 2025 - Defensive back Colton Hood #8 of the Tennessee Volunteers during the game between the Mississippi State Bulldogs and the Tennessee Volunteers at Davis Wade Stadium in Starkville, MS. Photo By Andrew Ferguson/Tennessee Athletics
TUSCALOOSA, AL - October 18, 2025 - Defensive back Colton Hood #8 of the Tennessee Volunteers during the game between the Alabama Crimson Tide and the Tennessee Volunteers at Bryant-Denny Stadium in Tuscaloosa, AL. Photo By Andrew Ferguson/Tennessee Athletics
Tennessee defensive back Colton Hood (8) scores on a pick-six against Mississippi State during the first half of an NCAA college football game in Starkville, Miss., Saturday, Sept. 27, 2025. (AP Photo/James Pugh)
ATLANTA, GA - August 30, 2025 - Defensive back Colton Hood #8 and Defensive back Boo Carter #23 of the Tennessee Volunteers during the Aflac Kickoff game between the Syracuse Orange and the Tennessee Volunteers at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, GA. Photo By Kate Luffman/Tennessee Athletics
KNOXVILLE, TN - November 15, 2025 - Defensive back Colton Hood #8 of the Tennessee Volunteers during the game between the New Mexico State Aggies and the Tennessee Volunteers at Neyland Stadium in Knoxville, TN. Photo By Andrew Ferguson/Tennessee Athletics
KNOXVILLE, TN - November 29, 2025 - Defensive back Colton Hood #8 of the Tennessee Volunteers during the game between the Vanderbilt Commodores and the Tennessee Volunteers at Neyland Stadium in Knoxville, TN. Photo By Kyndall Williams/Tennessee Athletics
KNOXVILLE, TN - October 11, 2025 - Defensive back Colton Hood #8 of the Tennessee Volunteers during the game between the Arkansas Razorbacks and the Tennessee Volunteers at Neyland Stadium in Knoxville, TN. Photo By Andrew Ferguson/Tennessee Athletics
ATLANTA, GA - August 30, 2025 - Defensive back Colton Hood #8 of the Tennessee Volunteers during the Aflac Kickoff game between the Syracuse Orange and the Tennessee Volunteers at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, GA. Photo By Kate Luffman/Tennessee Athletics
KNOXVILLE, TN - September 13, 2025 - Defensive back Colton Hood #8 of the Tennessee Volunteers during the game between the Georgia Bulldogs and the Tennessee Volunteers at Neyland Stadium in Knoxville, TN. Photo By Andrew Ferguson/Tennessee Athletics
GAINESVILLE, FL - November 22, 2025 - Defensive back Colton Hood #8 of the Tennessee Volunteers during the game between the Florida Gators and the Tennessee Volunteers at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium in Gainesville, FL. Photo By Kate Luffman/Tennessee Athletics
KNOXVILLE, TN - September 13, 2025 - Defensive back Colton Hood #8 of the Tennessee Volunteers before the game between the Georgia Bulldogs and the Tennessee Volunteers at Neyland Stadium in Knoxville, TN. Photo By Kate Luffman/Tennessee Athletics
STARKVILLE, MS - September 27, 2025 - Defensive back Colton Hood #8 of the Tennessee Volunteers during the game between the Mississippi State Bulldogs and the Tennessee Volunteers at Davis Wade Stadium in Starkville, MS. Photo By Andrew Ferguson/Tennessee Athletics
KNOXVILLE, TN - September 13, 2025 - Defensive back Colton Hood #8 of the Tennessee Volunteers during the game between the Georgia Bulldogs and the Tennessee Volunteers at Neyland Stadium in Knoxville, TN. Photo By Andrew Ferguson/Tennessee Athletics
KNOXVILLE, TN - October 11, 2025 - Defensive back Colton Hood #8 of the Tennessee Volunteers during the game between the Arkansas Razorbacks and the Tennessee Volunteers at Neyland Stadium in Knoxville, TN. Photo By Andrew Ferguson/Tennessee Athletics
ATLANTA, GA - August 30, 2025 - Defensive back Colton Hood #8 of the Tennessee Volunteers during the Aflac Kickoff game between the Syracuse Orange and the Tennessee Volunteers at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, GA. Photo By Kate Luffman/Tennessee Athletics
STARKVILLE, MS - September 27, 2025 - Defensive back Andre Turrentine #2, Defensive lineman Joshua Josephs #19, Defensive back Colton Hood #8, and Defensive back Ty Redmond #4 of the Tennessee Volunteers during the game between the Mississippi State Bulldogs and the Tennessee Volunteers at Davis Wade Stadium in Starkville, MS. Photo By Andrew Ferguson/Tennessee Athletics
Colorado cornerback Colton Hood (3) in the first half during an NCAA college football game against Arizona, Saturday, Oct. 19, 2024, in Tucson, Ariz. (AP Photo/Rick Scuteri)
Colorado cornerback Colton Hood, left, breaks up a pass intended for Utah wide receiver Munir McClain in the first half of an NCAA college football game Saturday, Nov. 16, 2024, in Boulder, Colo. (AP Photo/David Zalubowski)
Oklahoma State wide receiver Brennan Presley, center, is tackled after pulling in a pass by Colorado cornerback Colton Hood, left, and safety Shilo Sanders in the first half of an NCAA college football game Friday, Nov. 29, 2024, in Boulder, Colo. (AP Photo/David Zalubowski)
Colorado cornerback Colton Hood (3) runs the ball during the second half of an NCAA college football game against Kansas, Saturday, Nov. 23, 2024, in Kansas City, Mo. (AP Photo/Charlie Riedel)
Colorado wide receiver Travis Hunter (12) dances after intercepting a pass with Colorado safety Shilo Sanders (21) and Colorado cornerback Colton Hood (3) in the first half of an NCAA college football game Friday, Nov. 29, 2024, in Boulder, Colo. (AP Photo/David Zalubowski)
Tennessee defensive back Colton Hood runs a drill during the school's NFL football pro day Tuesday, March 31, 2026, in Knoxville, Tenn. (AP Photo/George Walker IV)
Tennessee defensive back Colton Hood (14) runs a drill at the NFL football scouting combine in Indianapolis, Friday, Feb. 27, 2026. (AP Photo/Michael Conroy)
Tennessee defensive back Colton Hood (14) prepares to run the 40-yard dash at the NFL football scouting combine in Indianapolis, Friday, Feb. 27, 2026. (AP Photo/Michael Conroy)
Tennessee defensive back Colton Hood runs a drill during the school's NFL football pro day Tuesday, March 31, 2026, in Knoxville, Tenn. (AP Photo/George Walker IV)
Tennessee defensive back Colton Hood (14) runs a drill at the NFL football scouting combine in Indianapolis, Friday, Feb. 27, 2026. (AP Photo/Michael Conroy)
Tennessee defensive back Colton Hood (14) runs the 40-yard dash at the NFL football scouting combine in Indianapolis, Friday, Feb. 27, 2026. (AP Photo/Michael Conroy)
Tennessee defensive back Colton Hood walks onto the field for the school's NFL football pro day Tuesday, March 31, 2026, in Knoxville, Tenn. (AP Photo/George Walker IV)
KNOXVILLE, TN - July 16, 2025 - Defensive back Colton Hood #8 of the Tennessee Volunteers during 2025 Football Photo Day in Knoxville, TN. Photo By Kate Luffman/Tennessee Athletics
KNOXVILLE, TN - July 16, 2025 - Defensive back Colton Hood #8 of the Tennessee Volunteers during 2025 Football Photo Day in Knoxville, TN. Photo By Kate Luffman/Tennessee Athletics
KNOXVILLE, TN - July 16, 2025 - Defensive back Colton Hood #8 of the Tennessee Volunteers during 2025 Football Photo Day in Knoxville, TN. Photo By Kate Luffman/Tennessee Athletics
KNOXVILLE, TN - July 16, 2025 - Defensive back Colton Hood #8 of the Tennessee Volunteers during 2025 Football Photo Day in Knoxville, TN. Photo By Kate Luffman/Tennessee Athletics
KNOXVILLE, TN - July 16, 2025 - Defensive back Colton Hood #8 of the Tennessee Volunteers during 2025 Football Photo Day in Knoxville, TN. Photo By Kate Luffman/Tennessee Athletics
KNOXVILLE, TN - July 16, 2025 - Defensive back Colton Hood #8 of the Tennessee Volunteers during 2025 Football Photo Day in Knoxville, TN. Photo By Kate Luffman/Tennessee Athletics
KNOXVILLE, TN - July 16, 2025 - Defensive back Colton Hood #8 of the Tennessee Volunteers during 2025 Football Photo Day in Knoxville, TN. Photo By Kate Luffman/Tennessee Athletics
KNOXVILLE, TN - July 16, 2025 - Defensive back Colton Hood #8 of the Tennessee Volunteers during 2025 Football Photo Day in Knoxville, TN. Photo By Kate Luffman/Tennessee Athletics
KNOXVILLE, TN - July 16, 2025 - Defensive back Colton Hood #8 of the Tennessee Volunteers during 2025 Football Photo Day in Knoxville, TN. Photo By Kate Luffman/Tennessee Athletics
2025 – RS-SOPHOMORE
One of the nation's top cornerbacks who was a semifinalist for the Thorpe Award and a second-team All-SEC selection … Started all 12 games of the regular season at cornerback and totaled 50 tackles with 4.5 tackles for loss, one forced fumble, one fumble recovery for a touchdown, one interception for a touchdown and eight pass breakups ... His eight PBU ranked 10th in the SEC … Did not play in the Music City Bowl after declaring for the draft … According to PFF, his 83.3 coverage grade among cornerbacks ranked second in the SEC during the regular season and 18th in the FBS (min. 300 coverage snaps) ... Allowed only one touchdown catch on 451 coverage snaps … Owned two defensive scores with a pick-six at Mississippi State (9/27) and a fumble return for a touchdown vs. Syracuse (8/30) ... Became the first SEC player with an interception return and fumble return for a touchdown in the same season since Missouri's Cale Garrett and Alabama's Trevon Diggs accomplished the feat in 2019 ... Logged four total tackles with three solo stops in road win at Florida (11/22) ... Tied his career-high with seven tackles, logged one pass breakup and posted a half-TFL in win vs. New Mexico State (11/15) ... Posted six total tackles vs. No. 18 Oklahoma (11/1) ... Made five total tackles with one TFL in road win at Kentucky (10/25) and also logged his first-career forced fumble ... Totaled four tackles and one pass breakup at No. 6 Alabama (10/18) ... Logged four solo tackles with one TFL vs. Arkansas (10/11) and added his sixth pass breakup of the year ... Snagged his first career pick-six at Mississippi State (9/27) and finished the overtime victory with six total tackles, including a career-best 2.0 TFLs ... Posted a career-high seven tackles in SEC opener vs. No. 6 Georgia (9/13) ... Started the home opener vs. ETSU (9/6) and had a pair of pass breakups in his Neyland Stadium debut ... Started at cornerback in his Tennessee debut vs. Syracuse (8/30) and earned SEC Co-Defensive Player of the Week honors after making an immediate impact in the secondary, finishing with four tackles, a fumble recovery for a touchdown and three pass breakups, all career bests ... Provided a swing in momentum against the Orange with a 22-yard fumble return for a touchdown late in the first quarter, the first scoop-and-score for the Vols since 2023 ... His three PBUs were the most by an SEC player in Week 1.
2024 – RS-FRESHMAN (COLORADO)
Part of a cornerback rotation at Colorado that included Heisman Trophy winner Travis Hunter … Earned All-Big 12 honorable mention honors from College Football News … Played in all 13 games with one start and also was a major contributor in special teams coverage … Finished the season with 24 total tackles, six pass breakups, two interceptions and one tackle for loss … In his first career start against Arizona, limited future top pick Tetairoa McMillan to only five receptions for 38 yards, while collecting his second career interception and returning it 46 yards … Delivered a breakout game against Kansas State (10/12) after Hunter left for injury … Finished with two tackles and his first career interception, returning it 59 yards, that helped set up a touchdown against the Wildcats … Collected a career-high three solo tackles in Alamo Bowl vs. BYU (12/28).
2023 – FRESHMAN (AUBURN)
Played in four games before earning a redshirt … Saw action against UMass (9/2), Samford (9/16), Vanderbilt (11/4) and Maryland (12/30) … Made three solo tackles in Music City Bowl against Maryland.
HIGH SCHOOL & PERSONAL
A four-star recruit who played for head coach Tanner Rodgers at Eagles Landing Christian Academy in Georgia … Ranked the No. 20 cornerback prospect in the country by On3 and No. 48 by 247Sports … The No. 18 overall prospect in the state of Georgia by On3 … Played cornerback, wide receiver, quarterback and running back for a squad that went 7-5 and made the second round of Georgia's AA playoffs … Accounted for 1,112 yards of total offense (647 receiving, 279 passing and 186 rushing) and 13 touchdowns … On defense, was credited with 40 tackles and three interceptions … Also made a big impact on special teams, returning two punts for touchdowns along with a kickoff … Named the 2022 Region 5-2A Athlete of the Year … A three-time all-region baseball player (two-time all-state CF), part of an all-state 4x100 relay in track and a basketball letterman … Parents are Bengie and Crystal Hood … Has two sisters and five brothers … Brother, Brandon, played running back at Colorado in 2024 before transferring to UMass … Uncle, Roderick Hood, played eight seasons in the NFL after appearing in 47 games as a defensive back for Auburn … Majoring in journalism and media
The Giants' 2026 draft picks have arrived at their new home.
