Josh Heupel updates Bru McCoy's eligibility, what sort of timetable he'll need to be ready

The Tennessee Volunteers could be without one of their key acquisitions from the transfer portal in former USC Trojans wide receiver Horace ‘Bru’ McCoy. The Volunteers are close to wrapping up their fall camp and have yet to receive any word on his eligibility status for the 2022 season. During Friday’s press conference, head coach Josh Heupel provided an update on McCoy’s eligibility and laid out what sort of timetable he’ll need to be ready.

“I don’t have an answer on that. There’s some things that are out of my control, Bru’s control, and our administration’s control in this process,” said Heupel. “Everybody on our sides working as hard as they possibly can to make sure that we come to a resolution as quickly as possible and give the kid an opportunity to go play.”

Due to his lengthy transfer history, McCoy’s status is up in the air. McCoy started with USC as a part of their 2019 recruiting class. He transferred to Texas shortly afterward before returning to the Trojans last offseason. The NCAA grants players one transfer without sitting out a season. Any additional transfers require a waiver or a release letter from the previous program.

Heupel on McCoy’s timetable

With no word on when McCoy will be cleared to play, Heupel has to play it by ear in fall camp and prep his team for either outcome. But there is a window the Volunteers’ head coach is hoping to get this situation resolved by.

“Obviously, getting him prepared, being able to rep him, all those things; you’d like that before you start your regular game plan week. Essentially seven days before kickoff, that’s the best-case scenario; where you’re able to work him, incorporate him, and plan for what it’s going to look like when we run out of the tunnel. Our administration has done everything that they possibly can. They’ve been great throughout the entire process from the very beginning. We’re still working as hard as they can to give him the opportunity to play.”

Despite McCoy being ineligible to play, Heupel and the Volunteers are still working with the star receiver in hopes he possibly will suit up for them this season. Tennessee still has time to hear back from the NCAA on their decision for the 2022 season. The Volunteers kickoff the year at home on Thu, Sep 1, against Ball State. Game kickoff is scheduled for 6:00 PM CT.