Springfield five-star defensive back Jermaine Cobbins narrowed his list of college choices to nine, announcing his schools on Nov. 14.

Cobbins chose Tennessee, Alabama, Ohio State, Vanderbilt, Texas A&M, Ole Miss, Oregon, Auburn and Florida.

Cobbins is the No. 1-ranked player in the state for the 2028 class, according to 247Sports Composite and the nation's No. 3-ranked cornerback with more than 40 offers. He was recently named one of five semifinalist for the Tennessee Titans Mr. Football award in Class 4A.

"Those aren't in order, but those are the schools I'm looking at," Cobbins told The Tennessean on Nov. 14.

Cobbins is Springfield's first five-star football player and, at 16, one of the youngest athletes to sign a Nike Football deal.

Entering Springfield's second-round Class 4A TSSAA football playoff game against Haywood, Cobbins had 36 receptions for 700 yards and 10 touchdowns. He's also ran for 166 yards and two TDs prior. Defensively he's a shut-down corner who is rarely challenged. He had 26 tackles, one interception, two forced fumbled and two fumble recoveries. The Yellow Jackets rallied from a 26-14 halftime deficit to beat Haywood, 41-26 on Nov. 13.

Cobbins added that he has not decided if those nine schools will be narrowed down, or when he'll announce his commitment.

Why Josh Heupel, Tennessee football culture appeals to Jermaine Cobbins

Cobbins has maintained a steady relationship with Tennessee's coaching staff and the atmosphere in Knoxville has been impressive to the Yellow Jackets junior.

"I'm an in-state kid," he said. "I've been watching UT all my life so its natural to have them among my top schools."

"I also like Tennessee's defense and how they play," Cobbins told The Tennessean. "They fly around and play physical. I like that. And they've told me I would 100% be a DB there."

Cobbins' cousin, Brandon "Slim" Leavell, has already committed to Tennessee and Cobbins has friendships with Tennessee freshmen Zach Groves (who played at East Robertson), Tyreek King (Knoxville Catholic) and Joel Wyatt (Oakland). All three have been instrumental in trying to entice Cobbins to join them.

"They just keep telling me about how great the culture is and gamedays are crazy," Cobbins said. "They've definitely kept in touch."

Where’s 🏠?

— jermainecobbins_ (@Jermainecobbin_) November 14, 2026

Source: Yahoo Sports