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By Michael Gallagher
Sports Content Coordinator
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The Tennessee Volunteers have already had a tumultuous offseason following the dismissal of five-star edge-rusher transfer Chaz Coleman from Penn State a few weeks ago.
Things got even worse for Tennessee on Wednesday when they school learned that star linebacker and 2027 draft hopeful Arion Carter had been suspended multiple games by the NCAA.
“Tennessee star linebacker Arion Carter has been suspended for two games by the NCAA because he returned to college after his agent had paid for a $427 flight to an NFL pre-draft training facility,” Adam Sparks of the Knoxville News reported.
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The circumstances around Carter’s NCAA violation are a bit peculiar.
He initially declared for the 2026 NFL draft but withdrew his name after suffering an injury beforehand that required surgery. Before the injury occurred, Carter’s agent paid for a flight for him, which he paid back, but the NCAA still considered it an “impermissible benefit,” which is why Carter was disciplined.
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“NCAA rules are clear: student-athletes may not sign with agents to pursue NFL draft opportunities, and this student-athlete knowingly violated those longstanding rules,” the NCAA said in a statement.
“When student-athletes violate NCAA rules, the school declares them ineligible and works with the national office to determine requirements for reinstatement, which can include repayment and/or withholding from competition.”
The suspension means the Vols will face Furman on Sept. 5 and Georgia Tech on Sept. 12 without arguably their best defensive player.
The 21-year-old Carter earned second-team All-SEC honors last year after posting 76 tackles, six tackles for loss, 1.5 sacks, two passes defended, a forced fumble, and a fumble recovery.
Losing Carter for the first two games is likely a scenario that won’t derail UT’s season, but that doesn’t mean that the team is happy about losing one of its star players for any amount of time because of a questionable NCAA rule.
“We disagree with the NCAA’s ruling on punishing Arion with a multi-game suspension this fall,” head coach Josh Huepel told the Knoxville News. “Arion made the right decision for his future health and well-being.
“He will proudly graduate from Tennessee in public health with Dean’s List honors in August. Our team stands behind AC and his family, and we can’t wait to be on the field with him during training camp next week.”
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