He previously played for the Idaho Vandals, winning the 2022 Jerry Rice Award and the Oregon State Beavers.

McCoy grew up in Baldwin Hills, California, and initially attended Lakewood High School.

[3] McCoy committed to play college football at Idaho, which was his only scholarship offer, during his junior year of high school.

[4][5] McCoy played in three games with the Idaho Vandals in 2021 before redshirting the season, throwing for 205 yards and a touchdown.

[7] New head coach Jason Eck had initially considered moving McCoy to cornerback during offseason practices before deciding to keep him at quarterback.