After Tennessee linebacker Arion Carter declared for the 2026 NFL Draft back in December, the Vols’ coaching staff set their sights on adding a linebacker from the transfer portal. Tennessee found its guy with former Penn State linebacker Amare Campbell, who played under new defensive coordinator Jim Knowles during the 2025 season with the Nittany Lions.
After his commitment, the Vols’ upcoming linebacker room looked to involve Campbell, Edwin Spillman, Jeremiah Telander, and Jadon Perlotte as the main guys heading into the 2026 season. Then a twist happened, though. Over the weekend, Carter elected to remove his name from NFL Draft conversations and hit the transfer portal, leading to his return to Knoxville on Sunday night.
Campbell joined the Tennessee roster when Carter didn’t appear to be factored in, but it does look like he is thrilled to have Carter back in the Vols’ linebacker room.
“Let’s f****** do it,” Campbell posted to social media, along with a ‘100’ emoji.
More From RTI: An Updated Look at Tennessee Football’s 2026 Roster After Recent Transfer Portal Movement
Tennessee’s linebacker room projected to be a strength with the addition of Campbell, even when Carter was still believed to be gone from the team. Campbell played 769 snaps for the Nittany Lions’ defense last season and posted a 70.8 grade from PFF. Breakout linebacker Edwin Spillman and veteran linebacker Jeremiah Telander are back in the mix. Jadon Perlotte flashed some big-time plays last season and projects to get better with experience. But now, with Carter’s return, there’s even more depth for William Inge to work with.
Although he missed some time in the middle of the season due to a turf toe injury, Carter still finished the 2025 season with 76 tackles, 1.5 sacks, a forced fumble, and a fumble recovery in his 10 games on the field. He was a key part of Tennessee’s defense during the 2024 season, leading the team in tackles with 68.
Carter’s return to Knoxville is a big win for Knowles’ defense and Inge’s position room.
For more on what Tennessee’s 2026 roster looks like after a massive weekend in portal additions over the last few days, check out Rocky Top Insider’s full roster breakdown here.
