Go ahead and let this provide you with another reason to get excited for the Tennessee football team to get back in action. At the same time, it's still uncertain when standout cornerback Jermod McCoy is going to be able to suit up once again.
McCoy suffered a torn ACL while training back home in Texas this winter and he hasn't been able to fully participate in practices throughout fall camp. That doesn't mean anything to The Sporting News, as it has named McCoy a Preseason All-American this week.
Jermod is recognized on the @sportingnews preseason All-America team 🇺🇸@Jermodmccoy | #GBO 🍊 pic.twitter.com/UDcb3YSsII
— Tennessee Football (@Vol_Football) August 6, 2025
This isn't the first time McCoy has been given an All-American nod. Soon enough, the hope is that Josh Heupel will provide people with a positive update on his status. It's a long shot that he'll play in Week 1, but could he return for the Week 3 matchup with Georgia? As for guys on the field, there's a freshman who continues to make a splash in Knoxville.
5-star freshman David Sanders Jr. is living up to the hype with Tennessee
When he signed with the Vols as a member of the 2025 class, David Sanders Jr. did so ranked five stars and the No. 2 offensive tackle in the country. He's no question living up to the hype, expected to start at right tackle. Not only that, but he's impressing the coaching staff too.
Vols o-line coach Glen Elarbee on freshman David Sanders Jr.: The guy has done an incredible job with his body to where he can function in the SEC. Mentally, he's spent more time than anybody walking through things. Consistently every day, he's checking off something.
— GoVols247 (@GoVols247) August 5, 2025
The fact that offensive line coach Glen Elarbee had those words to say on Sanders speaks to the impact he's making already. Are there going to be some ups and downs with him in Year 1? Of course, as he's still just a true freshman. Still, it's easy to get excited about what Sanders is going to be able to get done this year and beyond for Tennessee.
5-star EDGE LaDamion Guyton spurns Tennessee and others for Texas Tech
In some not-so-great news for the Vols and Heupel, a 5-star target is off the board. That'd be 2027 EDGE LaDamion Guyton, who announced his commitment to Texas Tech on Thursday afternoon. Per Rivals, Guyton is also the No. 1 player for his class.
Tennessee was a finalist for the elite prospect, as he was down to Texas Tech, Tennessee, Florida State and Georgia. It seemed like Tennessee didn't have much of a shot here, as he didn't take a visit to campus. Now, though, Heupel will shift his focus to other '27 standouts high on his board.