FAYETTEVILLE, AR – October 05, 2024 – Linebacker Arion Carter #7 of the Tennessee Volunteers during the game between the Arkansas Razorbacks and the Tennessee Volunteers at Razorback Stadium in Fayetteville, AR. Photo By Kate Luffman/Tennessee Athletics
Former Tennessee linebacker plans to withdraw his name from the NFL Draft and will instead enter the transfer portal for his final season of eligibility, according to a report from On3’s Steve Wiltfong on Friday night. Carter made the decision on the final day that the portal is open for players to enter.
Carter has been with the Volunteers for the past three seasons and led Tennessee in tackling in 2024. The Smyrna, TN, native missed some time in 2025 while battling turf toe but still played in 10 games for Tennessee. He racked up 76 tackles, six tackles for loss, 1.5 sacks, two passes defended, and one forced fumble during the Vols’ 2025 campaign.
On Dec. 12, Carter declared for the NFL Draft prior to the Vols’ Music City Bowl game against Illinois. However, after evaluating his options over the last month, it seems like Carter has decided to return to college football for one final season before heading to the NFL.
More From RTI: Elite QB Enters Transfer Portal on Final Day, Tennessee Reportedly Not Targeting Him
During his three seasons in Knoxville, Carter racked up 161 career tackles, 13.5 tackles for loss, one interception, and 1.5 sacks. He tallied 17 tackles as a true freshman, 68 tackles during a breakout sophomore season, and 76 tackles this past year. Carter played in 31 total games for the Vols.
While Carter was presumed to be heading to the NFL Draft, Tennessee bolstered its linebacker room with the addition of Penn State linebacker Amare Campbell from the transfer portal. Campbell will play alongside Edwin Spillman, Jeremiah Telander, and Jadon Perlotte next season. The Vols also have Jaedon Harmon on the roster and are bringing in four-star linebackers TJ White and Brayden Rouse through the transfer portal.
Tennessee has also revamped its defensive staff since the end of the season. The Vols brought in Penn State’s Jim Knowles as the defensive coordinator, Penn State’s Anthony Poindexter as the co-defensive coordinator and secondary coach, Penn State’s AJ Jackson as the LEOs coach, and Ohio State’s Michael Hunter Jr. as the cornerbacks coach. Tennessee also made the decision to retain linebackers coach William Inge, who has with UT for the past two seasons, on Knowles’ inaugural defensive staff.
The Vols have landed 12 commitments in the transfer portal to date including Williams, Penn State LEO Chaz Coleman, Tulane LEO Jordan Norman, Penn State inside linebacker Amare Campbell, Penn State safety Dejuan Lane, Penn State defensive tackle Xavier Gilliam, Kansas State nickelback Qua Moss, Michigan safety TJ Metcalf, Auburn cornerback Kayin Lee, Oklahoma State receiver Gavin Freeman, Louisville kicker Cooper Ranvier and Eastern Kentucky linebacker/long snapper Blake Howard.