The NFL Combine gives prospects the opportunity to boost their stock ahead of the draft, perfect for Tennessee CB Jermod McCoy as he missed 2025 with injury - but he will sit out in Indianapolis
14:30 ET, 26 Feb 2026
Jermod McCoy addressed his interesting decision when he spoke to the media on Thursday
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Jermod McCoy addressed his interesting decision when he spoke to the media on Thursday(Image: Getty Images)
NFL scouts will have to wait a little longer to see cornerback Jermod McCoy in action.
In January last year, McCoy suffered a torn ACL that forced him to miss the entire 2025 college football season. The move was brutal; McCoy was named a second-team All-American after logging nine passes defended and four interceptions in 13 games in 2024.
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McCoy was also an All-SEC first-team selection as he led Tennessee to the program’s first appearance in the College Football Playoff. For many, he needed to showcase those coverage skills at the Combine and his pro day to prove he is still worthy of a first-round pick in the NFL Draft coming off the severe knee injury.
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Earlier this week, Pro Football Focus raised the stakes by even listing McCoy as the defensive back with the most to gain at the NFL Scouting Combine in Indianapolis. But the 20-year-old has decided not to partake in drills.
Speaking on Thursday, McCoy insisted he has fully recovered from the injury and expects to perform a full slate of on-field drills at his upcoming pro day. He told reporters: “I can do everything. No limits.”
McCoy has reportedly been medically cleared to compete and test at the Combine, but he opted to wait for his pro day — expected to be held in March or April — in order to train and get back into the swing of things. He was even cleared to return to the field last season, but McCoy thought that wasn’t wise.
“I got cleared,” McCoy said. “I was doing everything, practicing, everything. I just didn't feel ready yet.”
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Jermod McCoy missed the entire 2025 season with his ACL tear
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Jermod McCoy missed the entire 2025 season with his ACL tear (Image: Getty Images)
McCoy’s journey and pre-draft process appear to be mirroring Will Johnson's last year. The former Michigan star cornerback was considered one of the best players in his class and a surefire first-round pick.
However, knee and toe injuries led to this decision to sit out the 2025 Combine. Around two months later, Campbell suffered a slide that saw the Arizona Cardinals eventually select him with the No. 47 overall pick in the second round.
McCoy knows the same fate could befall him — and it could be an even steeper slide. Campbell played his last season in college, whereas McCoy sat out this past campaign.
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Still, the former Vols star is adamant his best days remain ahead of him. “I got back to training, and I just felt like myself again.
“I mean, I made a big impact the year that I played, and I was ready.”
The defensive backs will take to the field at Lucas Oil Stadium and work out at the Combine on Friday, February 27. McCoy, however, will not be there.