ZM #27

Zyon McCollum

Cornerback · Sam Houston

A former Sam Houston State standout whose elite athletic testing translated into a starting cornerback job for the Buccaneers.

Zyon McCollum went from a small-school prospect in Huntsville, Texas to one of the most athletically gifted cornerbacks ever measured in the pre-draft process. After working his way into Tampa Bay's starting lineup, he has become a consistent presence in the Buccaneers' secondary.

★ Rated among the most athletically gifted cornerbacks in Relative Athletic Score history

★ 13 career interceptions across five college seasons at Sam Houston State

★ Became a full-time starter in Tampa Bay's secondary in 2024

★ Earned a contract extension from the Buccaneers

Path to the league

McCollum starred at Sam Houston State from 2017 to 2021, playing in 56 games with 52 starts and racking up 145 tackles, 13 interceptions, 54 passes defensed and six forced fumbles. The Buccaneers drafted him in the fifth round, 157th overall, in 2022, and his testing numbers were rated among the most athletic of any cornerback in Relative Athletic Score history.

Career highlights

McCollum earned a starting cornerback role in Tampa Bay's defense entering the 2024 season and has since become a regular contributor, later earning a contract extension from the Buccaneers as he developed into a full-time starter.

2025 season recap

McCollum appeared in 13 games in 2025, recording 65 tackles and six passes defensed, including one interception, before a hip injury suffered in a Week 15 loss to Atlanta landed him on injured reserve and ended his season.