Tennessee football has had a number of breakout stars this year, but Arion Carter still isn’t being talked about enough. The Vols’ junior linebacker is getting some much-deserved recognition for his play after the win over Mississippi State, though. He has been named SEC Defensive Player of the Week by the conference.
Carter, the starting weak-side linebacker for UT, managed a career-high 17 tackles in the win over the Bulldogs. Most notably, he got a hand on the potential game-tying touchdown throw in overtime to seal the victory.
His 17 tackles are tied for the most from an FBS player in a single game this season. It also brings his mark up to 49 tackles on the season. This is tied for second among all Power Four players and is by far the most in the SEC, 15 ahead of second place.
Absolute warrior Butkus Award candidate @ArionCarter for @Vol_Football ⤵️
‣ 49 tackles leads SEC (15 better than next closest player!)
‣ T2nd among P4 players in tackles
‣ 17 tackles, game winning PBU vs. MSU (tied for most tackles by FBS player in a game this season) pic.twitter.com/RD5nZ6iZn0— Bill Martin (@Bill_Martin) September 28, 2025
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Carter isn’t the only Vol to be recognized, either. Tennessee defensive end Tyre West is co-defensive lineman of the week for the havoc he caused in the win over MSU. He forced the crucial fumble that was picked up by Joshua Josephs and returned for a touchdown. Josephs was named Senior Bowl Defensive Player of the Week for his game.
If Carter can continue to play at this level, he may play his way into an NFL draft pick. He is in his junior year, making him eligible for this cycle. Other Vols already being talked about as potential first-round selections include cornerbacks Jermod McCoy and Colton Hood and wide receiver Chris Brazzell.
Carter is a second-year starter at UT, who played a role off the bench before injury as a true freshman. He was a highly-touted four-star recruit out of high school and picked Tennessee over a strong push from Alabama late in his recruitment.
