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Tennessee, Boo Carter expected to part ways

Chandler Vesselsby: Chandler Vessels2 hours agoChandlerVessels
boo carter tennessee (1)
Caitie McMekin/News Sentinel / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

Tennessee and defensive back Boo Carter are expected to part ways, sources tell On3. The news comes after Carter did not play in a 42-9 victory against New Mexico State on Saturday. Tennesse later confirmed to On3, via Pete Nakos, that Carter is no longer with the program.

Vols coach Josh Heupel said after the win over the Aggies that Carter did not play because he failed to meet the standard of the coaching staff. Heupel did not offer any further details as to what Carter may have done to result in that decision.

“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.

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. We’ll see whether the Vols can keep winning without Carter for that one as they hope to close out the regular season strong.