Skip to main content
Tennessee

Josh Heupel addresses status of defensive back Boo Carter, who remains with team

On3 imageby: Brent Hubbs07/29/25Brent_Hubbs
Boo Carter
Steve Roberts | Imagn Images

Tennessee Football coach Josh Heupel addressed the Boo Carter situation to open fall camp at Media Day on Tuesday. Heupel said Carter remains on the football team but there are some things he needs to accomplish to get back on the field. The coach said there is no set timeline on that.

“Boo is a part of our team here,” Heupel said. “There’s some things he’s got to accomplish to get back on the field here. Don’t have a timetable with that.” 

Carter was expected to have an expanded role on the 2025 football team after playing in all 13 games as a freshman, including five starts.

Carter spent spring practice also working on offense as a slot receiver where he was expected to play some snaps the fall. 

Carter received a new NIL deal after his freshman season back in December. Sources additionally tell Volquest that Carter requested to go into the portal back in the spring before cancelling the request before the portal window closed.

The Chattanooga native was also a stand out on special teams as a punt returner. Carter averaged 16.5 yards a return last season. Carter finished the year with 198 return yards on 12 attempts with a long of 38. 

Defensively, Carter recorded 38 tackles including 3 for loss, a sack, an interception and three quarterback hurries. Carter’s play earned him All-Freshman team honors in the SEC. 

Defensively, Carter steadily improved all season at the star position where he was set to an anchor this year at arguably the most critical spot in the secondary. 

Jalen McMurray, who transferred in a season ago, can play corner or the star position, as can transfer Colton Hood. One of those two is expected to start at cornerback until Jermod McCoy returns. Kaleb Beasley, who’s been working at safety where he has been battling for a starting job can play the nickel position as well. However none of them have Carter’s experience in the defense. 

Carter was named pre-season All-SEC third team by the media.

You may also like