Former Tennessee Vols CB Jermod McCoy makes unexpected decision ahead of 2026 NFL Draft

The former Tennessee Vols cornerback could be a an early first round selection.

Zach Ragan Tennessee Volunteers News Writer
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Stephanie Amador / The Tennessean / USA TODAY NETWORK

Former Tennessee Vols cornerback Jermod McCoy made an unexpected decision at the NFL scouting combine this week.

McCoy, who missed the entire 2025 season with a torn ACL, reportedly won’t be working out or taking part in on-field drills at the combine in Indianapolis.

The decision comes as a surprise as McCoy, who started his college career at Oregon State, is viewed as a potential top 10 selection depending on how teams feel about his medicals after missing last season.

McCoy will speak to the media Thursday morning at the combine.

It was always a longshot that Jermod McCoy would play in 2025

Not having McCoy, along with losing starting cornerback Rickey Gibson in the season-opener, was a tough blow for the Vols in 2025.

It was always a longshot, however, that McCoy would play this past season.

The Texas native tore his ACL in January, 2025. Returning in less than 12 months from a torn ACL is never a guarantee.

Former Dallas Cowboys cornerback Trevon Diggs, for example, missed 353 days (almost a full year) after tearing his ACL in 2023.

McCoy could still work out at Tennessee’s pro day later this spring, but it’s unclear at this point what his plan is.