Josh Heupel discusses injury status of Tennessee CB Jermod McCoy
By Sydney Hunte
Published:
Josh Heupel passed along an update on injured Tennessee cornerback Jermod McCoy during SEC Media Days on Tuesday.
In January, McCoy was training near his home in Texas when he tore his ACL. Since then, the first-team All-SEC selection has been working his way toward a return at some point in the 2025 season.
When that is, though, remains to be seen.
“I don’t (have an update on McCoy’s status),” Heupel said, according to KnoxNews’ Adam Sparks. “With his injury and the rehab process, it’s how he encounters the next phase and the next stage as he continues to prepare himself to get ready to play.”
Heupel added that he had seen McCoy recently and that “he looks really good”.
“His movement skills are good. It’s a progression throughout the course of the end of the summer and training camp. We’ll figure out (his playing availability) as we get into the season.” Heupel said.
McCoy, a 3-star recruit in 2023, initially signed with Oregon State, where he totaled 31 tackles, 2 interceptions, and 7 passes defensed as a true freshman. He then entered the transfer portal and joined the roster at Tennessee, immediately becoming one of the best defensive backs in the conference with 44 tackles, 4 interceptions, and 9 PDs.
Even with the injury, McCoy is projected as a 1st-round pick in the 2026 NFL Draft.
Sydney is an Atlanta-based journalist who has covered everything from SEC and ACC football to MLS, the U.S. men's national soccer team and professional tennis. His work has appeared on such platforms as SB Nation, Cox Media Group and FanSided.
