Tennessee Vols cornerback Jermod McCoy has yet to play this season after suffering a torn ACL during the offseason.

There was speculation that McCoy might return for the Vols’ game against the Arkansas Razorbacks last weekend. McCoy, however, has yet to participate in team practice periods, so his potential return date is still up in the air.

“Jermod continues to do a great job in his rehab with our medical staff and our strength staff,” said Vols head coach Josh Heupel last week. “Somebody told me there was a report out there of a certain ball game that he’s focused in on as far as returning. I think that’s unfair. Whoever put that out there, I don’t think truly understands Jermod and the situation.

“He’s done a really good job. He’s got more to go. I think it’s all about him being prepared to go play. There’s a lot of things that go into that. You look at the position he plays, all the reactionary work that you have to have. And so, you’re always balancing his ability to be prepared, and [his] short-term and long-term health as well.”

McCoy tore his ACL in early January, meaning he’s less than 10 months removed from the injury. It won’t be a surprise if he doesn’t play this season, given how long it’s taken elite cornerbacks to return from ACL injuries in the past.

(It’s worth noting that McCoy is eager to return to action, but his longterm health is the top priority.)

ESPN’s Mel Kiper details how Jermod McCoy’s NFL draft stock could be impacted if he doesn’t play for the Vols in 2025

McCoy is viewed as a likely first round selection in the 2026 NFL Draft based on his production/film from his 2024 season at Tennessee.

If McCoy plays in 2025 and performs at an elite level, it would obviously boost his stock for next spring’s draft.

But even if he doesn’t play for the Volunteers this season, McCoy is still expected to receive day one draft interest according to ESPN’s Mel Kiper.

“McCoy hasn’t played yet in 2025 after suffering a torn ACL in January, but he still has the chance to be the first cornerback off the board in April,” wrote Kiper on Tuesday. “He began his college career at Oregon State, picking off two passes there in 2023. McCoy’s ball-hawking traits really emerged once transferring to Tennessee, as he picked off four passes and broke up nine last season. Even if he doesn’t make it back onto the field this season, his on-the-ball production will get Day 1 interest.“

It seems unlikely that McCoy will make his season debut this weekend in Tuscaloosa against Alabama. There’s still hope, however, that McCoy will suit up for the Vols this season. If he returns later this year, it could give Tennessee’s defense a massive boost for a potential College Football Playoff run.

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