With Tennessee’s season opener against Ball State on Sept. 1 drawing closer by the day, the program — and its fans — are growing antsy for some resolution to Bru McCoy’s eligibility situation.

The former USC receiver transferred to Tennessee this offseason after a tumultuous three years in Los Angeles. Tennessee head coach Josh Heupel told reporters on Friday the wideout has yet to be ruled eligible for the season, adding that Tennessee has “done everything that they possibly can” to get him ruled eligible. That led to speculation the issue might be on USC’s end.

The Trojans issued a statement Sunday placing the onus squarely on the NCAA.

“USC has – consistent with NCAA rules – promptly and accurately responded to all requests from the University of Tennessee related to the eligibility of Bru McCoy,” it read. “At no point since Bru entered the transfer portal in January have we objected to him being made immediately eligible to play at Tennessee. The issue of Bru’s eligibility ultimately rests with the NCAA, and we wish him the very best.”

The former 5-star receiver signed with USC in the Class of 2019. When Kliff Kingsbury left for the NFL shortly after being named the USC offensive coordinator, McCoy transferred to Texas. He spent the spring in Austin before reversing course and deciding to transfer back to Los Angeles.

He missed all of 2019 with an undisclosed illness. In 2020, McCoy made six appearances. He was expected to play a significant role in 2021, but was suspended by USC following a felony domestic violence arrest in July. He was not charged in the incident, though, as the Los Angeles County district attorney’s office determined it had insufficient evidence to proceed with the case.

McCoy is hoping to play a key role with Tennessee in 2022. Tennessee is hoping he’s available. And USC seemingly wants to make it clear it is not standing in the way.