Tennessee linebacker Arion Carter will sit out the opening two contests of the 2025 season after the NCAA announced a sanction for an improper agent‑paid flight. The ruling comes as the Volunteers prepare to open their schedule against a Georgia Tech team that relies heavily on its rushing attack.
The violation stems from a flight arranged by a personal representative, which the governing body deemed a breach of amateurism rules. While the exact details of the flight have not been disclosed, the sanction underscores the NCAA’s focus on monitoring financial ties between athletes and agents.
Carter, who earned All‑SEC honors last year despite missing two games due to injury, is regarded as one of the conference’s premier defensive players. His leadership anchors a unit that has been a cornerstone of the Volunteers’ recent success.
Depth Steps Up
Coaches have indicated that depth at the position remains a strength. Returning tacklers Edwin Spillman and Jeremiah Telander, who ranked among the SEC’s top tacklers last season, are expected to shoulder more responsibility. In addition, Penn State transfer Amare Campbell brings 103 tackles from his previous campaign, while sophomores Jadon Perlotte and Jaedon Harmon are poised to see increased snaps.
The depth chart also includes freshmen who saw limited action last year, but the experience of Spillman, Telander, Campbell, Perlotte and Harmon should provide a buffer as the team navigates the early schedule. The Volunteers will look to maintain defensive cohesion despite the loss of Carter’s on‑field presence.