Tennessee CB Jermod McCoy injury update ahead of Arkansas

Tennessee head coach Josh Heupel said Monday that All-America cornerback Jermod McCoy “continues to do a great job in his rehab” but did not offer up a timeline for his return. Sources tell On3’s Chris Low and Pete Nakos that McCoy is unlikely to play against Arkansas.

On3 previously reported that this week’s Arkansas game was a target date for a possible return. But McCoy has not gone through a full practice and has not taken any contact yet, as Volquest’s Brent Hubbs previously reported.

McCoy continues to go through rehab as he tracks to making the next step in his recovery process.

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

Jermod McCoy tore his ACL while training in January and has told his teammates he will be back. Returning for Arkansas would have given him a chance to get back on the field before Tennessee visits Alabama on Oct. 18.

A projected 2026 first-round NFL draft pick was a breakout player last year, with 13 passes defended in four interceptions in 2024. The former Oregon State transfer will continue to work to clear his next hurdle of rehab and return to full-contact practices.

Colorado cornerback transfer Colton Hood has emerged in McCoy’s absence, posting 19 tackles, five passes defended and an interception returned for a touchdown.

Tennessee is 4-1 and coming off a bye week. The Volunteers host Arkansas at 4:15 p.m. ET on Saturday on SEC Network.