Boo Carter is still a member of the Tennessee football program, head coach Josh Heupel told the media Tuesday at the onset of the Vols’ fall camp. But there are things Carter “has to accomplish” before returning to the field in games. Heupel did not elect to say what those things are or what the time frame will be for him to get back on the field.
“Boo is a part of our team here,” Heupel said. “There’s some things that he’s got to accomplish to get back on the field with us. And don’t have a set timeline on that. Our leadership council has been a part of those things, those discussions with me and with Boo. I’m proud of what they’ve done. They care and love Boo and want him to be his best too.”
The announcement comes after multiple weeks of drama and speculation around Carter’s role with the program. The sophomore defensive back reportedly missed multiple workouts and team events leading to a confrontation between Carter and his defensive teammates.
Heupel said that some of the reports over the last week have been accurate while some have not been accurate. He did not disclose which reports were not active. Tennessee’s fifth year head coach also said he was in off-and-on contact with Carter last week when the sophomore defensive back was not with the team.
Heupel leans heavily on his leadership council to make team decisions and Heupel mentioned multiple times that they’ve been involved in the decisions about Carter’s future with the program. Despite a bad offseason, Tennessee’s internal culture is strong after Heupel and and the Vols parted ways with Nico Iamaleava after the redshirt sophomore quarterback no-showed the final spring practice.
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Expectations are high for Carter entering his sophomore season at Tennessee. Carter totaled 38 tackles, one sack and one interception while starting five games at the STAR spot for Tennessee as a true freshman.
Carter also flashed as a punt returner late in his freshman season, totaling 198 return yards on 12 attempts. The Chattanooga native earned Freshman All-SEC honors last season and was a Preseason Third Team All-SEC selection from the league’s media.
Carter flirted with entering the transfer portal back in December after his freshman season, bargaining for the ability to play on both sides of the field and earning a significant pay day in the process. With Tennessee low on proven receivers and Carter’s clear talent with the ball in his hands, the sophomore could earn touches on offense this season.
While Carter’s offensive role is uncertain for the 2025 season, his defensive role is certain. Carter will be Tennessee’s starting STAR. Other options behind Carter include Jalen McMurray and Jourdan Thomas.
Tennessee football officially begins preseason practice Wednesday and opens up its 2025 season against Syracuse in Atlanta on Aug. 30.
