Former Five-Star Receiver Bru McCoy Retires After Going Undrafted in NFL Draft
The 2025 NFL Draft was a major event for college football stars hoping to take the next step in their careers. However, it didn’t go as planned for several once highly regarded prospects. In fact, 11 former five-star recruits from the 2019 to 2021 classes, as rated by Rivals, were left without a team at the end of the draft. Among them were names like quarterback DJ Uiagalelei (who played at Clemson, Oregon State, and Florida State), wide receivers Mario Williams (formerly with Oklahoma and Tulane), and Julian Fleming (from Ohio State and later Penn State).
While most of these undrafted players are now aiming to prove themselves as free agents in hopes of landing a spot on an NFL roster, one prominent name made a different choice. Wide receiver Bru McCoy, who previously played for Texas, USC, and most recently Tennessee, has announced his retirement from football. He shared this decision on social media platform X (formerly known as Twitter), revealing he is stepping away from the game for medical reasons.
McCoy’s college career was filled with both promise and setbacks. Once considered one of the top high school athletes in the country, he had a complex and high-profile recruitment. Coming out of Mater Dei High School in California, McCoy was ranked the No. 1 athlete in the 2019 class. Initially, he committed to USC, but shortly after, he transferred to Texas. He participated in spring practices with the Longhorns but then made the unusual move of returning to USC before the season began.
His stint at USC was short-lived. In 2021, McCoy was suspended indefinitely by then-head coach Clay Helton after being arrested for an alleged domestic violence incident. Although the legal case was eventually dropped, McCoy was not reinstated to the team. Seeking a fresh start, he transferred again—this time to the University of Tennessee—where he would go on to play for three seasons.
At Tennessee, McCoy gradually found his rhythm. Despite his off-the-field troubles earlier in his career, he became a reliable presence for the Volunteers. Unfortunately, his time there was not without its own hardships. In 2023, McCoy suffered a serious right ankle injury during a game against South Carolina. The injury—a fracture-dislocation of his ankle—was severe and required immediate surgery. Many believed it could mark the end of his football career.
But McCoy wasn’t ready to give up. He fought through a difficult and painful rehabilitation process, undergoing multiple surgeries and spending several days in the hospital. Remarkably, he returned to the field for the 2024 season. He played well in his comeback year, recording 39 receptions for 472 yards and two touchdowns. His return served as an inspiring example of determination and resilience.
In his first game back, he caught six passes for 89 yards, helping lead Tennessee to a decisive win over Chattanooga. His teammates and coaches praised his commitment and perseverance. Head coach Josh Heupel highlighted McCoy’s influence, not just as a player, but as a leader and role model in the locker room.
Still, while McCoy showed he could compete again at a high level, his future in professional football remained uncertain. He was not selected in the 2025 NFL Draft, and according to a report from Fox Sports’ Jordan Schultz, NFL teams were actually advised not to draft him. It’s now evident that McCoy had already decided to retire from football, even before the draft began.
In his retirement message, McCoy reflected on the highs and lows of his career and expressed gratitude for the opportunities he had and the support he received. He acknowledged that his body had endured more than its fair share of wear and tear, and it was time to prioritize his long-term health and future.
Though his football career didn’t follow the path many envisioned when he emerged as a top-tier recruit, McCoy’s story remains a powerful one. It is a tale of potential, adversity, and ultimately, personal growth. Few athletes have had to navigate as many changes and challenges as he did in such a short span.
McCoy’s journey offers a reminder that success in sports isn’t always about making it to the NFL or signing a massive contract. For some, success is measured by the strength it takes to overcome setbacks, to keep going when the odds are stacked against you, and to walk away with dignity when the time comes. McCoy demonstrated those qualities time and time again.
As he now moves on to life beyond football, McCoy leaves behind a legacy of resilience. While he may not have reached the professional level, his impact at the collegiate level and his personal transformation over the years will not be forgotten. Whether through coaching, mentoring, or a new professional path altogether, it’s likely that Bru McCoy will continue to inspire others.
In the end, Bru McCoy’s story isn’t just about what happened on the field—it’s about the power of perseverance and the courage to make life-changing decisions when the spotlight fades. His football journey may be over, but his influence will undoubtedly carry on.
