CFB insiders share latest on Jermod McCoy ahead of Week 1
By Derek Hryn
Published:
Tennessee football will be without All-America cornerback Jermod McCoy for Saturday’s season opener against Syracuse.
Chris Low and Brett McMurphy of On3 reported that McCoy is also expected to miss multiple games while working his way back from a torn ACL.
McCoy, a projected first-round pick in the 2026 NFL Draft, suffered the injury while training in January. He has been fully engaged in team meetings and individual drills but has yet to participate in contract or full-team periods.
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The Oregon State transfer led Tennessee last season with 13 passes defended and 4 interceptions, establishing himself as one of the nation’s top breakout players in 2024. Ricky Gibson III, who started at cornerback as a true sophomore last season, returns, and the Vols have bolstered their secondary with spring transfer Colton Hood from Colorado and freshman Ty Remond.
Tennessee’s defense will also be missing junior defensive tackle Daevin Hobbs, sidelined with a foot injury, while defensive back Boo Carter isn’t expected to start after missing voluntary workouts during the offseason.
Even with key players out, the Vols’ defense remains formidable. Tennessee finished seventh nationally in scoring defense last season, allowing just 16.1 points per game and holding 11 of 13 opponents under 20 points.
