With it being presumed that Clemson will lose its lone portal addition at linebacker, the Tigers could be in the market for another player at the position.
Tennessee transfer Arion Carter is a name that has been linked to Clemson. Carter originally declared for the NFL Draft, but then had a change of heart and decided to enter the transfer portal.
While the Volunteers are working to bring Carter back into the fold, other schools are also being mentioned as possibilities for the veteran linebacker. Clemson, Texas, Missouri, Ole Miss and Cal are all thought to be in the mix if Carter were to play elsewhere next season.
While he dealt with injuries in both feet in 2025, Carter played in 31 games during his three seasons at Tennessee and totaled 161 tackles, 13.5 tackles for loss, 1.5 sacks, nine pass breakups, one interception, a forced fumble and one fumble recovery.
These are the schools to watch if Tennessee is unable to retain LB Arion Carter, according to On3:
Texas
Ole Miss
Missouri
Georgia
California
Clemson
This all begins if Tennessee isn’t able to bring back Carter for one more season, which as of late, Tennessee is “up first”… pic.twitter.com/sXljkmi1ld
— College Football Edits (@CollegeEdits) January 18, 2026
Photo by Kim Klement Neitzel-Imagn Images