Arion Carter Leaves NFL Draft, Enters Transfer Portal: Report
Arion Carter, a standout linebacker for Tennessee, has decided to withdraw from the 2026 NFL Draft and enter the transfer portal. This decision marks a significant shift for the player, who initially prepared for the draft by opting out of the Music City Bowl.
Decision to Transfer
Carter, recognized as an All-SEC linebacker, aims to utilize his final season of college eligibility. He is not anticipated to participate in the 2026 season with the Volunteers, indicating his move to a new program.
Coaching Changes at Tennessee
The Tennessee football program has recently undergone coaching changes. The Volunteers parted ways with defensive coordinator Tim Banks following the 2025 season. Jim Knowles has taken over the role, although Carter’s linebackers coach, William Inge, remains a part of the coaching staff.
Linebacker Corps Updates
Tennessee has made moves to bolster its linebacker corps by adding Amare Campbell, a transfer from Penn State. Several other linebackers are returning for the next season, including:
- Edwin Spillman
- Jeremiah Telander
- Jadon Perlotte
- Jaedon Harmon
- Jordan Burns
2025 Season Performance
In the 2025 season, Carter played in ten games and made nine starts, despite facing foot injuries. His statistics reflect his contributions to the team:
- Tackles: 76
- Tackles for Loss: 6
- Sacks: 1.5
- Quarterback Hurries: 2
- Pass Breakups: 2
- Forced Fumbles: 1
- Fumble Recoveries: 1
Career Overview
Carter stands at 6 feet 1 inch and weighs 235 pounds. He hails from Smyrna and has played 31 games for Tennessee, starting in 22 of them during his three-year college career. His freshman season in 2023 was interrupted by a shoulder injury, but he rebounded with a breakout performance in 2024, contributing to a top-10 defensive unit.
Adam Sparks serves as the beat reporter for Tennessee football, providing insights and updates on the team’s progress and changes. Fans are encouraged to support local journalism and stay informed by subscribing to updates from El-Balad.
