Zyon McCollum Bio
Zyon McCollum is an American professional football cornerback for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers of the National Football League (NFL). He played college football for the Sam Houston State Bearkats before being selected by the Buccaneers in the fifth round of the 2022 NFL draft. McCollum has developed into a starting cornerback for Tampa Bay, demonstrating steady improvement across his first four seasons in the league.
Early Life and Background
McCollum was born on May 3, 1999, in Galveston, Texas. He attended Ball High School in Galveston, where he developed his skills as a defensive back. He initially committed to play college football at the University of Utah alongside his identical twin brother, Tristin McCollum. However, the brothers later reneged on their commitment to Utah and instead signed papers of intent to play at Sam Houston State, citing a desire to play closer to home.
Path to American Football
McCollum became a starter at cornerback during his freshman season at Sam Houston State, showing early promise as a collegiate player. His twin brother Tristin also pursued a football career, with both brothers developing as defensive backs for the Bearkats program. McCollum steadily improved each season, catching the attention of NFL scouts with his consistent performances and physical tools.
Zyon McCollum Career
College Career (2017–2021)
McCollum established himself as a four-year starter at cornerback for the Sam Houston State Bearkats. As a sophomore, he earned first-team All-Southland Conference honors after recording 44 tackles with eight passes broken up and three interceptions. He was named second-team All-Conference as a junior despite missing the final three games due to injury, intercepting three passes and breaking up 11 passes during that season.
His senior season was shortened and played in the spring of 2021 due to the COVID-19 pandemic. McCollum recorded 46 tackles and was named first-team All-Southland as the Bearkats won the 2021 NCAA Division I Football Championship Game. He utilized an extra year of eligibility granted to college athletes who played during the pandemic and returned for a fifth season, compiling 50 tackles, two tackles for loss, three interceptions, and eight passes defended while earning first-team All-Western Athletic Conference honors.
2022 NFL Draft and Rookie Season
Leading up to the 2022 NFL Draft, McCollum was ranked as a top cornerback prospect by multiple analysts. NFL.com analyst Daniel Jeremiah ranked him as the ninth best cornerback (78th overall) in the draft, while Scouts Inc. listed him as the 11th best cornerback prospect (88th overall). The majority of NFL draft analysts projected him to be selected in the third or fourth round. The Tampa Bay Buccaneers selected McCollum in the fifth round with the 157th overall pick. Tampa Bay traded a fourth-round pick in the 2023 NFL Draft to the Jacksonville Jaguars to move up and select McCollum.
On May 12, 2022, the Buccaneers signed McCollum to a four-year, $3.98 million rookie contract with a signing bonus of $321,732. He missed the final two preseason games due to a hamstring injury suffered during training camp. He began his rookie season inactive for the first four games while recovering from the injury. On October 9, 2022, McCollum made his professional regular season debut and recorded two solo tackles in a victory over the Atlanta Falcons. He earned his first career start on October 23, 2022, after injuries to Carlton Davis and Sean Murphy-Bunting. He finished his rookie season with 24 combined tackles and one pass defended in 13 games and three starts.
2023 Season
McCollum entered training camp slated as a backup, competing for a role behind returning starters Carlton Davis and Jamel Dean. He earned increased playing time throughout the season, starting nine games. In Week 12, he set a new season-high with nine combined tackles during a loss at the Indianapolis Colts. In Week 14, he recorded nine combined tackles and a season-high two pass deflections during a victory at the Atlanta Falcons. He finished the 2023 season with 68 combined tackles, nine pass deflections, and two forced fumbles in 17 games and nine starts. The Buccaneers finished the season with a 9–8 record and clinched the NFC South division title. McCollum recorded six combined tackles in the divisional round playoff loss to the Detroit Lions.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers Era (2024–Present)
McCollum entered the 2024 training camp competing to replace the departed Carlton Davis as a starting cornerback, facing competition from Bryce Hall, Tavierre Thomas, Josh Hayes, and Keenan Isaac. Head coach Todd Bowles named him the No. 2 starting cornerback alongside Jamel Dean to begin the season. On September 15, 2024, McCollum made a career-high four pass deflections and recorded his first career interception during a victory at the Detroit Lions. He started all 17 games throughout the season, finishing with 82 combined tackles, a career-high 17 pass deflections, two interceptions, and a fumble recovery.
On September 5, 2025, McCollum signed a three-year, $48 million contract extension with $35.4 million guaranteed, reflecting the Buccaneers’ commitment to their starting cornerback. He started 13 games during the 2025 season before suffering a hip injury in Week 15 against the Atlanta Falcons. The Buccaneers placed him on season-ending injured reserve on December 15, 2025. He recorded 65 combined tackles, one interception, and six pass deflections before the injury ended his campaign.
Driving Style and Strengths
McCollum possesses good size for the cornerback position at 6 feet 2 inches and 199 pounds. His length allows him to match up effectively against taller receivers and contest passes at the catch point. He has shown the ability to play both zone and man coverage schemes, adapting to different defensive game plans. His physicality in press coverage and willingness to support against the run have been notable aspects of his game as he has developed in the NFL.
Notable Events and Milestones
McCollum’s interception against the Detroit Lions in September 2024 marked his first career pick in the NFL, a significant milestone in his professional career. His contract extension in September 2025, worth $48 million over three years, represented a major commitment from the Buccaneers and acknowledged his growth into a reliable starting cornerback. The extension made him one of the higher-paid members of Tampa Bay’s secondary.
Zyon McCollum Career Wins
McCollum has appeared in 60 games across four NFL seasons with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, earning 45 starts. His career statistics include 239 total tackles, 33 pass deflections, three interceptions, two forced fumbles, and one fumble recovery.
NFL Highlights
McCollum’s best statistical season came in 2024, when he started all 17 games and recorded career highs in tackles (82), pass deflections (17), and interceptions (2). He earned his first career interception against the Detroit Lions in Week 2 of the 2024 season. His 2025 season was cut short by injury, but he had recorded one interception through 13 starts before being placed on injured reserve. McCollum was a key contributor to the Buccaneers’ defense that clinched the NFC South division title in 2023 and advanced to the divisional round of the playoffs.
College Achievements
Prior to his NFL career, McCollum was a standout at Sam Houston State, earning multiple All-Conference honors across four seasons. He was a four-time All-Southland Conference selection, including first-team honors twice (2018 and 2020) and second-team recognition once (2019). He was also named first-team All-WAC in 2021 during his final collegiate season. McCollum was a member of the Bearkats team that won the 2021 NCAA Division I Football Championship Game.
| Season | Team | Games | Starts | Tackles | PD | INT |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2022 | Tampa Bay Buccaneers | 13 | 3 | 24 | 1 | 0 |
| 2023 | Tampa Bay Buccaneers | 17 | 9 | 68 | 9 | 0 |
| 2024 | Tampa Bay Buccaneers | 17 | 17 | 82 | 17 | 2 |
| 2025 | Tampa Bay Buccaneers | 13 | 13 | 65 | 6 | 1 |
Zyon McCollum Family
Family Background and Racing Lineage
McCollum comes from a family with strong athletic roots. He is the identical twin brother of NFL safety Tristin McCollum, who currently plays for the Las Vegas Raiders. The brothers grew up together in Galveston, Texas, and pursued football careers together at both the high school and college levels. Their family lineage includes former NBA player Cory Carr, who is their father. Both brothers have reached the professional level in football, with Zyon in the NFL and Tristin also playing in the league.
Personal Life
McCollum maintains a close relationship with his twin brother Tristin, despite both players being on different NFL teams. Their shared background in football and basketball during their youth helped develop their skills as defensive backs. McCollum’s decision to attend Sam Houston State alongside his brother reflected their desire to support each other through their football careers. Both brothers have credited their family environment and mutual competition with helping them develop as players.
2025 Season Performance
The 2025 season began with McCollum securing a significant contract extension, as the Buccaneers signed him to a three-year, $48 million deal with $35.4 million guaranteed on September 5. The extension came after he established himself as a full-time starter during the 2024 season. He continued his strong play early in the 2025 campaign, recording one interception and six pass deflections through 13 starts at cornerback.
However, McCollum’s season took a turn when he suffered a hip injury during Week 15 against the Atlanta Falcons. The injury proved serious enough to require season-ending injured reserve placement on December 15, 2025. The Buccaneers’ secondary faced challenges without him as they navigated the final stretch of the season. McCollum finished the year with 65 combined tackles in his 13 starts, demonstrating his value to the defense before the injury occurred.
Looking ahead, McCollum aims to return fully healthy for the 2026 season and continue his trajectory as one of Tampa Bay’s key defensive players. At 27 years old, he is entering the prime of his career and will look to build upon his momentum once he recovers from the hip injury that ended his 2025 campaign.