A third Tennessee football underclassmen declared for the NFL Draft Friday night when linebacker Arion Carter announced that he is foregoing his final season of college eligibility to begin his professional career.
“To the University of Tennessee & the Greatest fan base in the country, thank you for the opportunity to be a Vol! The college experience, game day atmosphere and relationships developed will last a lifetime,” Carter said in a statement. “Playing for the Power T meant everything to me.”
Carter departs Knoxville leaving a hole on Tennessee’s defense entering the 2026 season. That hole is worth 76 tackles, 1.5 sacks, a forced fumble and 477 total snaps. So where does Tennessee turn to replace Carter?
The good news for Tennessee is that Carter is currently the only outgoing linebacker on its roster. With a young core and a talented freshman class coming in, Tennessee doesn’t have to go to the transfer portal to replace him. Josh Heupel and new defensive coordinator Jim Knowles could look to add a veteran body as a security blanket, but it doesn’t feel like a must.
Tennessee’s top returning linebackers include Jeremiah Telander and Edwin Spillman. Telander started beside Carter last season while Spillman actually recorded three more snaps than him. Telander is a capable veteran but has not shown a high-level ability entering his senior season.
That to say, Telander being the third or fourth linebacker in the rotation is a good recipe. Him leading the way in snaps is less ideal.
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But Spillman could be in for a huge year. As a redshirt freshman, Spillman totaled 74 tackles, 2.5 sacks and an interception. Spillman graded out as the third best player on Tennessee’s defense and the seventh best linebacker in the SEC last season according to PFF.
Freshman Jadon Perlotte flashed during the back half of the 2025 season and could step into a starting spot beside Spillman next season. He finished the season with just 13 tackles but flashed at times down the stretch.
Jaedon Harmon was a blue-chip recruit and played an albeit small role during the 2024 season. Carter’s departure opens up a path for him to be a real contributor next season. That’s also true of incoming freshmen TJ White and Brayden Rouse.
Tennessee signed the best inside linebacker recruiting class in the country. White ranks as the No. 4 linebacker and Rouse as the No. 7 linebacker in the 2026 recruiting cycle according to 247sports. Either could push for playing time next season.
Then there’s veterans Ben Bolton and Jordan Burns. A former walk-on, Bolton played 127 snaps last season and provided competence in the middle of the defense. Burns had a much smaller role, playing just 37 snaps, but does have a bit more experience.
