The Boo Carter saga reportedly finally has a conclusion for Tennessee football. The Vols and Carter are parting ways with two games remaining in the 2025 season with Carter planning on entering the transfer portal when it opens next month. On3’s Pete Nakos first reported on Sunday afternoon.
The news comes a day after Carter not only did not play but did not appear to be present for Tennessee football’s matchup against New Mexico State at Neyland Stadium.
“At the end of the day, there’s a standard that you have to meet to be in that locker room,” Tennessee head coach Josh Heupel said following the game. “He was not out on the field with us. That will be the last— my last response to anything related to that for right now.”
Tennessee has not released a statement at the time of publication but Heupel will certainly address the departure during his Monday press conference. Carter’s departure to the transfer portal has been inevitable for some time but it happening with two games remaining in the regular season is a fitting end for Carter’s time in Knoxville.
The drama started back in July when it was unclear what his status with the team was going to be. After a strong freshman season, Carter no-showed a number of team activities in July making him earn his role on the Vols’ roster during their fall practices in August.
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The sophomore recorded just 25 tackles, three pass deflections and one sack during the 2025 season. The sophomore has forced three fumbles with two coming in Tennessee’s lopsided win over UAB. He’s also muffed three punts this season though Tennessee recovered two of them.
Carter finishes his two years at Tennessee with 63 total tackles, two sacks, three forced fumbles, one interception and three pass breakups. He was effective at times as a punt returner but also had issues catching punts and did not return a single punt for a touchdown.
Carter has been Tennessee’s backup STAR this season, playing limited snaps behind Jalen McMurray. His effort has left much to be desired at times including against Kentucky when he loafed after giving up a long touchdown completion.
The slot corner did not play on defense during Tennessee’s loss against Oklahoma two weeks ago at Neyland Stadium. Carter did return punts, muffing his third of the season in the Vols’ poor performance.
With Carter out, McMurray has played all the meaningful snaps at the STAR spot. The Vols got a number of young players opportunities in the win over New Mexico State.
