It's starting to feel like maybe, just maybe, Tennessee football is starting to get healthy at the right time. Standout defensive lineman Jaxson Moi is expected to return this weekend against Mississippi State, which is huge for things in the trenches.
In the secondary, when will All-American cornerback and projected first-round pick Jermod McCoy be able to get back on the field? While McCoy won't be in action this weekend in Starkville, Pete Nakos is reporting that the talented defensive back is eyeing a return for the Oct. 11 meeting with Arkansas. That will be big for several reasons for the Vols.
Tennessee football getting back Jaxson Moi at the right time for Mississippi State
Jermod McCoy is hoping to return for Tennessee to take on Arkansas on Oct. 11
On Saturday, Tennessee will be taking on Mississippi State and then a much-needed bye will arrive for the Vols to get even healthier. Following that bye, Tennessee will host the Razorbacks and revenge will be on the minds of several players following last year's upset loss.
McCoy was in action for that game and he's going to want to remind everyone that he's still one of the best cornerbacks in the country. He suffered his torn ACL this past winter while training back home in Texas, which is why we haven't seen him in 2025 yet.
However, should he return against Arkansas, it will allow him to shake off some rust and be even more ready for the game the following week. We're of course talking about the Oct. 18 battle with Alabama in Tuscaloosa, which is a showdown that countless people can't wait for.
Having McCoy close to 100 percent for that one is going to be crucial. With a win, Tennessee will strengthen its case to reach the CFP this year. An Alabama loss could prove to be the nail in the coffin for Kalen DeBoer, who lost to Florida State to open the year and another L could be on the way vs. Georgia in Athens.
McCoy is a true playmaker and knowing he'll be back in the coming weeks is major for Heupel and his defense. There's a reason he's expected to be a first-rounder in the 2026 NFL Draft. The thought of him and Colton Hood playing together is enough to put fear into opposing offenses too.