Tennessee All-SEC defensive back Jermod McCoy returned to doing individual drills on Friday after tearing his ACL back in January. McCoy suffered the injury during an off-season training session, but seems like he could be ready to return at some point this fall.
McCoy is coming off a strong season for the Volunteers, in which he recorded 44 tackles, seven pass breakups and four interceptions (tied for second most in the SEC) in 12 games (all starts). His efforts saw him finish as one of 14 semifinalists for the Jim Thorpe award.
JUST IN: @Jermodmccoy is back doing individual drills in his next step to playing football this fall
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— Austin Price (@AustinPriceless) August 8, 2025
During SEC Media Days, Volunteers head coach Josh Heupel provided an update on McCoy’s recovery. He revealed if he had a specific timeline for his recovery.
“I don’t,” Heupel said. “I think, with the injury and his rehab process, it’s how he encounters the next phase, the next stage, as he continues to prepare himself and get ready to play. I saw him the other day as he’s going through his rehab, he looks really good. His movement skills are good. It’s a progression throughout the course of the end of the summer and through training camp.
“We’ll figure that out as we get into the season. Keep in mind, obviously, we want him. He’s a huge part of us defensively, but his short term and long term health (are important) as well.”
McCoy has vastly over performed expectations in Knoxville
He transferred into the program after spending his freshman season at Oregon State, but decided to transfer after the Pac-12 disbanded during last offseason’s conference realignment. McCoy arrived in Knoxville and made an instant impact in the Volunteers’ secondary. His freshman season was almost just as productive, seeing him log 31 tackles, seven PBUs and two interceptions in his first season of college football.
Before college, McCoy was largely overlooked coming out of Whitehouse (Whitehouse, TX) High School. He was a three-star prospect according to the On3 Industry Rankings, which is a proprietary algorithm that compiles ratings and rankings from all four primary recruiting media services. He was the No. 1,415 overall player in the Class of 2023 and the No. 227 player from Texas. He is now a five-star in On3’s College Ratings (98.00).
Now looked at as one of the most dynamic defensive backs in the SEC, McCoy will hope to be ready for Tennessee‘s season opener against Syracuse on Aug. 30 in the Aflac Kickoff Game. Kick-off is scheduled for 12:00 PM on ABC.
On3’s Barkley Truax contributed to this report.