As a true freshman at Sam Houston State University in 2017, McCollum appeared in 13 games, one as a starter, and totaled 30 tackles while being mostly a special teams player.[4] He started all 11 games for the team in 2018 and posted 48 tackles, 6.0 tackles-for-loss, 2.0 sacks and four pass breakups, being sixth on the team in tackles.[4] He played 12 games, five as a starter, in the 2019 season, tallying 49 tackles, a sack and an interception.[5] McCollum was part of the national championship team in the 2020–21 season, being named second-team All-Southland Conference while having 50 tackles and two interceptions.[4] He repeated as a second-team all-conference selection as a senior in 2021.[4] He finished his collegiate career with 229 total tackles, 12.0 tackles-for-loss, 4.0 sacks and three interceptions.[6]
Two days after being released by the Texans, McCollum was signed to a reserve/future contract by the Philadelphia Eagles.[12] He had an "outstanding" training camp and preseason, according to the Tampa Bay Times, but was waived on August 29 and re-signed to the practice squad the next day.[2][13][14] He remained on the practice squad as the Eagles played his brother, a member of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, in Week 3.[2] Due to several injuries, the Eagles elevated McCollum to the active roster for their Week 4 game against the Washington Commanders.[15] He appeared on 20 special teams snaps against the Commanders in his NFL debut.[16] He signed a reserve/future contract on January 18, 2024.[17]
Personal life
McCollum is the twin brother of fellow NFL player Zyon McCollum.[18]