The Tennessee Volunteers had a strong 2024 season, thanks in large part to standout CFN All-SEC cornerback Jermod McCoy. They posted an impressive 10-2 overall record and 6-2 mark in the SEC, securing a No. 9 seed in the College Football Playoff.
However, their postseason run was cut short in a 42-17 first-round loss to No. 8 Ohio State.
Setback Strikes Tennessee as the CFN All-SEC Corner Jermod McCoy Faces Injury
As the Volunteers prepare for the 2025 season, they’ve been hit with a setback. McCoy suffered a torn ACL during offseason training in Texas earlier this month, according to Volquest, which first reported the injury on Jan. 15. Patrick Brown later confirmed the news.
McCoy has since undergone surgery and is expected to return near the start of the 2025 season. However, he will miss critical summer practices, which begin July 31, 2024, as well as spring camp, set to start in mid-March.
McCoy’s Path to Tennessee and 2024 Breakout
The cornerback transferred to Tennessee from Oregon State just a year ago. He was a four-star transfer, according to 247Sports, after an impressive freshman season with the Beavers, where he recorded 31 tackles, seven pass breakups, and two interceptions while starting five games. He ultimately chose Tennessee over Oregon, Oklahoma, SMU, and Texas A&M.
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McCoy quickly emerged as one of the nation’s premier cornerbacks in 2024, earning All-America and All-SEC honors while becoming a semifinalist for the Jim Thorpe Award, given to the nation’s top defensive back.
His 2024 season stats included:
- 44 tackles
- Four interceptions
- Nine pass breakups
Looking Ahead to 2025
Given McCoy’s impact, Tennessee fans and the team will feel his absence as he rehabs from injury. While his projected return near the start of the season is encouraging, missing offseason preparation could present challenges.
The Volunteers are hoping for a smooth and speedy recovery as they aim to build on their success from 2024.
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