On Friday, the news broke that Tennessee football linebacker Arion Carter had decided to withdraw from the NFL draft and return to college. However, that decision came with the announcement that he will enter the transfer portal ahead of his final year of eligibility.
Just because Carter is entering the portal doesn’t mean he can’t return to Tennessee, though. The buzz around a potential return to Knoxville grew further on Saturday after a report from On3.
Steve Wiltfong of On3 reported that Tennessee is ‘back in the picture’ for Carter.
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Carter was forced to miss some time this past 2025 season due to turf toe, but still racked up 76 tackles, 1.5 sacks, a forced fumble and a fumble recovery in 10 games. He was the starting weakside linebacker for the team when healthy, as well. Now, On3 considers him a four-star transfer and the No. 8 linebacker in the portal cycle.
Carter was also a key piece of Tennessee’s defense that was among the best in the country in 2024. His efforts, which included 68 tackles and a crucial interception of DJ Lagway vs. Florida, helped the team reach the playoffs.
As a freshman in 2023, Carter pushed his way into playing time but had his season cut short due to injury. He was a four-star recruit out of Smyra, Tennessee, and considered the No. 183 recruit in the country by 247.
Since Carter’s decision to head to the draft, Tennessee already replaced him through the transfer portal. The Vols landed Penn State’s leading tackler, Amare Campbell, who was projected to start next to Edwin Spillman under Jim Knowles’ new defense. Spillman also signed a new deal to return for his redshirt-sophomore year.
Tennessee also returns the likes of Jadon Perlotte, Jeremiah Telander, Jaedon Harmon, Jordan Burns and Ben Bolton, who all contributed to a certain extent this past season. The Vols bring in two of the highest-rated linebacker recruits in the country in Brayden Rouse and TJ White, as well.
One Response
Am I the only one already over this NIL and transfer portal junk ?
Whatever you do, absolutely do not purchase a jersey with a player’s name on it.
Hey, remember when Peyton came back for his Senior year ? JUST TO TRY AND WIN A CHAMPIONSHIP FOR TENNESSEE.
As a college football fan, I am about to hit the transfer portal .