Jan. 16, 2026, 7:26 p.m. ET
Tennessee junior linebacker Arion Carter announced his intentions to declare for the NFL draft on Dec. 12, 2025. He declared for the 2026 NFL draft ahead of the Vols’ loss to Illinois in the Music City Bowl to conclude their 2025 football season.
“With a lot a lot of prayer and conversations with my family and those closest to me, I’ve decided to declare for the NFL draft,” Carter announced.
On Friday, Steve Wiltfong of On3 provided an update on the former Vol.
“Tennessee linebacker Arion Carter plans to withdraw from the NFL draft and enter the NCAA transfer portal, Steve Wiltfong reports,” On3 announced.
The 6-foot-1, 235-pound linebacker appeared in 31 games for the Vols from 2023-25. He totaled 161 tackles, 13.5 tackles for a loss, 1.5 sacks, one interception, 10 pass deflections, one forced fumble and one fumble recovery.
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The NFL draft will be held April 23–25, 2026 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.
More: 2026 Tennessee football transfer portal tracker
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