2026 NFL Draft Prospect Interview: Jihad McCall, S, Eastern Illinois

• Name: Jihad McCall
• Position: Safety
• College: Eastern Illinois/Morehead State
• Height: 6’1
• Weight: 205
• Twitter: JMcCall9_20
• Instagram:  __9reazons

What makes you a top prospect at your position in the 2026 NFL Draft?

Among other factors, I believe the things that make me a top prospect for my position in the 2026 NFL Draft are that I possess a rare combination of athleticism, work ethic, and football IQ. Additionally, my mentality, speed, strength, drive, intensity, and versatility on the field allow me to be a playmaker and an impact player in multiple phases of the game. Furthermore, as a diligent student of the sport, I study opponents thoroughly before games, familiarize myself with their formations and personnel, and recognize tendencies that contribute to the success of the unit. Also, while I tend to quietly lead by example, I can be a strong voice when necessary, and I always try to elevate the performance of those around me. My competitive drive, high character, maturity, and dedication to constant improvement are also attributes that make me stand out as a top prospect in the 2026 NFL Draft.

What is one thing that NFL teams should know about you?

One thing NFL Teams should know about me is that my purpose and my motivation for playing this game isn’t just about me, it’s about everyone who believed in me, from family to friends, and especially for the memory of my mother. My drive and passion come from something deeper than just the game. I’m relentless, coachable, and always willing to put in the extra work. No matter the situation, I always show heart, discipline, and leadership in the locker room. I’m the kind of player who will outwork everyone, elevate those around him, and never take a single moment on the field for granted.

If you could donate to one cause in the world, what would it be?

If I could donate to one cause in the world, it would be breast cancer awareness and finding a cure. This cause is deeply personal to me because I lost my mother to breast cancer in 2022, at the very young age of 46. Watching my mother battle this disease was heartbreaking, and her loss has left a lasting impact on my life. I want to honor her memory by helping others who are facing the same fight. If I were to be so fortunate as to have an opportunity to play in the NFL, it would help me accomplish one of my other personal goals of establishing a foundation in memory of my mom, Tameka McCall ( #MekaStrong ) Foundation, for other breast cancer warriors and their children and family members.

Who was your role model?

My role model was and still is my older brother, Devine. He was the first person I saw dunk a basketball in person and after that, he became my Superman. Ever since I was young, I wanted to be like him in every aspect of life. He was one of the main reasons I started playing sports as a child and seeing him get a scholarship to play college football (Newberry College, 2016 undergraduate degree and Northcentral University, now National University, 2022 graduate degree) motivated me to want to do the same and more. He always told me his goal was for me to not be exactly like him but to be even better than him. He’s always in my corner and still pushes me to be the best versions of myself on and off the field.

Who is your favorite NFL team?

New England Patriots

Who is the most underrated teammate at your school?

At my current school Eastern Illinois At my current school, Eastern Illinois, I would say my teammate Tienne Fridge (DB) and at my alma mater (Morehead State) I would say it was Evan Roach (RB).

What is your biggest pet peeve?

When Someone quits/ or gives up early.

Who is your favorite teacher ever?

My High School Spanish Teacher, Mrs. Cruz

Overcoming adversity is what defines character, what was the hardest moment in your life to overcome?

The hardest moment in my life was having to deal with the process of losing my mother due to a 10-year battle with breast cancer. Knowing I had to stay strong for my brothers and the rest of my family helped me keep pushing forward and being strong. Honoring her memory and carrying on her legacy are my primary motivations because of the sacrifices she made for me, values she instilled in me, lessons she taught me and courageous battle she fought and won to see me graduate HS and play college football.

If you could have any franchise restaurant in your house, what would it be?

Popeyes Louisiana Chicken.

What is your favorite snack food?

Birthday Cake Golden Oreos.

What is your degree in?

I graduated from Morehead State University (Fall 2024) with a degree in Exercise Science, and I’m currently on pace to graduate from Eastern Illinois University with another degree in Health Communication (Spring 2026).

If you could have dinner with three people, dead or alive, who would it be and why?

f I could have dinner with three people, dead or alive, the first person is my mother, she passed away two and a half years ago, and just being able to see her and hear her voice again will bring me true happiness. The second person would be Ed Reed, who is a Hall of Famer safety and one of my favorite football players of all time. I would just want to pick his brain about football and ask for tips on becoming a better safety in the NFL. Finally, the third person is Malcolm X we all know how he was an important factor in the civil rights movement, and he had a rough upbringing I would just want to know what helped or motivated him to change his life for the better.

What is your biggest weakness?

My biggest weakness is that I have trouble moving on to the next play. I tend to dwell on my mistakes and beat myself up about it.