The Tennessee Vols fan base might be the most powerful fan base in college football.
Nearly five years ago, a Tennessee fan revolt prevented the program from hiring Greg Schiano to replace Butch Jones as the Vols’ head coach.
The anger of the fans, who voiced their displeasure with the potential hire via a protest, led to Tennessee abandoning their attempt to hire Schiano (the deal was agreed to by both sides). From there, the Vols fired athletic director John Currie, hired Phillip Fulmer to replace him, and subsequently hired Jeremy Pruitt to replace Jones.
While the Pruitt hire didn’t work out, the fans flexing their muscle showed the influence that the Big Orange faithful have on Tennessee.
We saw that influence on display once again this week.
Wide receiver Bru McCoy transferred from USC to Tennessee earlier this offseason.
McCoy, however, still isn’t eligible to play in 2022.
Outkick.com’s Trey Wallace did some terrific reporting and discovered that USC could expedite the process but they’ve declined to do so.
According to Wallace, USC could “sign off on a No Participation Opportunity Form to allow McCoy to be eligible immediately”.
VolQuest’s Austin Price backed up Wallace’s reporting.
Further details on USC and their half truths… https://t.co/tudou2Cj5k pic.twitter.com/tsZLTRqlpg— Austin Price (@AustinPriceless) August 20, 2022
Further details on USC and their half truths… https://t.co/tudou2Cj5k pic.twitter.com/tsZLTRqlpg
As a result of the reporting from Wallace and Price, Vol fans have lit up social media with messages directed at USC.
On Sunday evening, USC responded to those messages via a public statement.
USC’s official statement on Bru McCoy ⤵️ pic.twitter.com/XCustCk2iT— USC Trojans (@USC_Athletics) August 22, 2022
USC’s official statement on Bru McCoy ⤵️ pic.twitter.com/XCustCk2iT
Vol fans are loud. And their voice elicited a response from USC. Not many fan bases have that power.
Now that everything is out there, I wouldn’t be surprised if USC succumbs to the pressure and signs the No Participation Order which would allow McCoy to become eligible.
Never doubt the Tennessee fan base. They’re as passionate as any fan base in the nation. And they always find a way to get things done.
Featured image via USA TODAY/Bryan Lynn