Although he had the option to seek an additional year of NCAA eligibility, former Tennessee Volunteers standout has chosen to step away from football. His path—from a top recruit out of Mater Dei in 2018 to a college career filled with twists—was far from conventional. Along the way, he dealt with a redshirt season, the disruptions of COVID-19, a dismissal from USC, and significant injuries. Now, at just 24 years old, McCoy is medically retiring from the game.
He played a key role in Tennessee’s offense in recent seasons, but he has decided to hang up his cleats. Had he returned, he would’ve been 25 and seven years removed from his high school playing days. In an era where eligibility rules are increasingly flexible, his departure is still a reminder that every career eventually reaches its conclusion.
For Tennessee, McCoy’s retirement is yet another blow in a rough offseason. The Vols also lost quarterback Nico Iamaleava, who surprisingly entered the transfer portal and landed at UCLA—a program with less competitive prospects and reportedly a smaller NIL payout. Meanwhile, questions swirl around head coach Josh Heupel, even light-hearted ones about whether stress has cost him his hair.
McCoy did share a heartfelt message with Tennessee fans as he officially stepped away from football.
Though a return was always unlikely, his retirement leaves Tennessee facing tough questions. Before Iamaleava’s transfer, I had the Vols grouped with Georgia, Notre Dame, Oregon, and even Arizona State as fringe College Football Playoff contenders—just below the tier of teams like Clemson, Ohio State, Penn State, and Texas. Now, I’m not sure they’ll even reach the postseason.
Heupel has been an excellent coach, and defensive coordinator Tim Banks is among the best in the nation. But Tennessee’s offense—an Air Raid-inspired system—may need to evolve, as elite defenses are learning how to stop it quickly. Still, Heupel’s strength in recruiting and player development shouldn’t be overlooked.
With McCoy’s retirement and Iamaleava’s exit, among other setbacks, this could be a difficult but ultimately productive season for Tennessee. Expectations should be tempered, but Heupel has the track record to weather the storm. McCoy’s loss may cost the Vols a bit, but Iamaleava’s transfer could be worth two games in the win-loss column.
Even so, if Tennessee can manage a nine- or ten-win season, it would be a solid outcome worth celebrating.
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