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Tennessee LB Arion Carter declares for 2026 NFL Draft

ns_headshot_2024-clearby: Nick Schultz9 hours agoNickSchultz_7

Tennessee linebacker Arion Carter has declared for the 2026 NFL Draft, he announced via social media. He led the Vols in tackles this season.

Carter is coming off back-to-back strong years at Tennessee as a key part of the defense. In 2025, he led the program with 76 total tackles, including 6.0 tackles for loss and 1.5 sacks. That came after an impressive 2024 campaign in which he had 68 tackles, 6.5 tackles for loss and an interception.

Carter also shared a message for Vol Nation via his Instagram on Friday. He thanked his teammates, the staff and fans for the support as he gets ready for the next step in his football career.

“Tennessee has truly become home for me, and that’s what has made this decision so difficult,” Carter wrote. “I want to start by thanking my coaches for believing in me, pushing me, and holding me to the highest standard every single day.

“Thank you to the trainers, strength coaches, academic team & support staff that made sure I was completely taken care of on and off the field. … 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. Playing for the Power T meant everything to me.”

Arion Carter played high school football at Smyrna (TN), where he was a four-star prospect. He was the No. 125 overall player and No. 11-ranked linebacker from the 2023 cycle, according to the Rivals Industry Ranking.

Carter is the latest Tennessee star to announce his plans to enter the 2026 NFL Draft. Wide receiver Chris Brazzell told On3 | Rivals’ Hayes Fawcett of his intentions following a standout season on Rocky Top. The former Tulane transfer had a career year with 62 receptions for 1,017 yards and nine touchdowns to lead the Volunteers’ receiving corps.

“I want to start by thanking God for every opportunity and for guiding me throughout this entire journey,” Brazzell wrote in an Instagram post. “I’m grateful for my family, teammates, and coaches for believing in me and pushing me to grow on and off the field. … After a lot of prayer and conversations with the people closest to me, I’ve decided that I will be declaring for the 2026 NFL Draft.