The Tennessee Vols All-American is out ‘a few months’ after tearing his ACL

The Tennessee Volunteers All-SEC defensive back Jermod McCoy will miss spring training and several months of action after that tearing his ACL during an offseason workout in Texas. The sophomore standout underwent successful surgery to repair the ligament, with an optimistic return timeline projected near the start of the 2025 season, according to WallQuest.

McCoy’s absence is a significant loss for the Volunteers, as he played a key role in their secondary during the 2024 season. Known for his ability to make clutch plays, McCoy’s contributions were key to Tennessee’s College Football Playoff run. He led the SEC in pass breakups with four and added nine pass breakups, totaling 13 passes defensed — the most since Theo Jackson in 2021.

Two of McCoy’s interceptions came at key moments, stopping opposing drives in the end zone. His performance earned him All-SEC and All-American honors and a semifinal spot for the prestigious Jim Thorpe Award, one of only two sophomores nationwide to achieve that distinction.

Tennessee will miss their spring, summer practices

Tennessee head coach Josh Heupel praised McCoy’s rapid development and versatility. “I think it’s just starting with his maturity as a person,” Heupel said. “Coming out of high school, what he did before he got on the field in three months at his previous stop (Oregon State), changing his body. A guy who was recruited to play some wide receiver, he gets transferred to the other side of the football.”

McCoy’s journey from unheralded three-star recruit out of Whitehouse High School in Texas to tight end has been incredible. His 90.3 degree of coverageranked second in the SEC and fifth nationally among running backs in 2024, as reported by Pro Football Focus.

Despite the setback, Tennessee’s secondary will rely on its depth, with veterans Ricky Gibson and Jaylen McMurray likely to solidify the quarterback position during spring practice. Their performance will be key in maintaining stability as McCoy focuses on his rehabilitation.

For McCoy, the recovery process is as much mental as it is physical. “When I’m having a bad day, I don’t think about it because it’s a bad day,” McCoy told WallQuest. “Instead, I’m getting positive (because) this is an ACL rehab. This was meant to happen.”

The Volunteers’ coaching staff is optimistic about McCoy’s eventual return to full strength. In the meantime, they will focus on fueling the competition in the secondary, ensuring the team remains ready for the upcoming season.

McCoy’s leadership and presence will undoubtedly be missed, but his decisive mindset and proven track record indicate he will return as a cornerstone of Tennessee’s defense when the 2025 season begins.