What Tennessee linebacker Arion Carter said about his decision to enter the NFL Draft

What Tennessee linebacker Arion Carter said in his post on social media on Friday night, announcing his decision to enter the 2026 NFL Draft and opt out of the Music City Bowl:

Tennessee has truly become home for me, and that’s what has made this decision so difficult. 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. I can’t express enough gratitude for the role all of you played in my academic & athletic journey. Your willingness to challenge and push me beyond my limits has prepared me for every encounter that lies ahead.

To my teammates – my brothers – thank you for the battles we went through together, the memories we made and the bonds we built. I’ll carry that with me forever. You made this experience special in ways I can’t even put into words.

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.

So with a lot of prayer and conversations with my family & those closest to me, l’ve decided to declare for the NFL Draft.

Forever Grateful, Forever a VOL

Arion Carter led Tennessee with 76 tackles this season

Carter over the last seasons had 96 tackles, 13.5 tackles for loss and 1.5 sacks in 31 career games.

He had a team-high 76 tackles this season, with 6.0 tackles for loss and 1.5 sacks while appearing in 10 games. He missed two games and was limited against Oklahoma in November while dealing with turf toe injuries. 

Carter had 68 tackles and 6.5 tackles for loss in 13 games last season and 17 tackles and 1.0 tackles for loss in eight games as a freshman in 2023. 

Three Tennessee players have declared for 2026 NFL Draft

Carter was a four-star prospect out of Smyrna High School in Smyrna, Tenn., in the 2023 recruiting class, picking Tennessee over Alabama. He was the No. 125 overall player in the class, the No. 11 linebacker in the country and the No. 2 overall in-state prospect, ranking behind only Caleb Herring, his Tennessee teammate. 

The Vols have now had three players declare for the NFL Draft, starting with cornerback Jermod McCoy and wide receiver Chris Brazzell, before Carter’s announcement Friday night.

Brazzell has also opted out of the Music City Bowl against Illinois on December 30.