Boo Carter availability: Josh Heupel issues statement on Tennessee DB’s absence

Tennessee coach Josh Heupel addressed the status of defensive back Boo Carter during his postgame press conference Saturday. Carter did not play in a 42-9 victory against New Mexico State.

Heupel explained afterward that Carter failed to live up to the team standard, which was the reason for him being held out. He did not provide any further update as to when the defender would be back with the team.

“At the end of the day, there’s a standard you’ve gotta meet to be in that locker room,” Heupel said. “So he was not out on the field with us. That will be my last response to anything related to that for right now.”

This isn’t the first time that Carter’s status with the team has been in question this season. He also missed several days with the team back in July and entered fall camp with questions before ultimately working his way back into the coaching staff’s good graces.

Carter has played sparingly for Tennessee this season, serving as a punt returner in addition to his role on defense.He has recorded 16 total tackles (4.5 for loss), one sack, three forced fumbles and three passes defended thus far this season. He also has 11 punt returns for an average of 13.2 yards per return.

Carter is in his second season with the Volunteers after being named to the SEC All-Freshman team in 2024. He recorded 38 tackles, one sack and one interception that season and entered this year with high expectations. He was named a third team All-SEC selection according to coaches and media.

Boo Carter played high school football at Bradley Central in Chattanooga, Tennessee, where he was a four-star recruit. He ranked as the No. 111 overall player and No. 3 athlete in the 2024 cycle according to the Rivals Industry Ranking, an equally weighted average that utilizes all three major recruiting services.

We’ll have to wait for more updates on Carter’s status with the team later this week. He most recently played on Nov. 1 in a loss against Oklahoma.

Tennessee improved to 7-3 (3-3 SEC) with the win against New Mexico State on Saturday. Next up for the Volunteers is a matchup against Florida on Saturday in Gainesville.