Former Chattanooga top recruit Boo Carter has seen his role gradually decrease throughout 2025 after a stellar freshman season for the Vols in 2024. He was expected to have a huge impact as an all star defensive back this season, but has now been given his walking papers by Tennessee Coach Josh Heupel.

Carter not only did not play in Tennessee’s Saturday contest against New Mexico State, he was also absent from the sideline. After the game, Josh Heupel said the following regarding Carter’s absence from the sideline: “At the end of the day, there’s a standard that you have to meet to be in that locker room. He was not out on the field with us.”

Carter posted on his X account late Sunday afternoon: I’d like to take this opportunity to thank The University of Tennessee Coaches, administrators and fans for a wonderful 2 years. Unfortunately, my season has been cut short due to injury. I have decided to enter the transfer portal and I am excited about the opportunities going forward!” @boo_carter6 on X.

Carter, along with fellow star cornerback Jermod McCoy, was anticipated to anchor the Vols’ defensive backfield. Carter has failed to produce any significant impact this season, while McCoy has been hampered by a slow recovery from a torn ACL suffered in January 2025. He has not yet played this season, but continues to work towards getting back on the playing field before the end of the season. Despite his injury and failing to play this season, he is still projected to be a first round draft pick in the NFL.

The absence of Carter and McCoy this season has forced the Vols to rely upon young players, including true freshman, in key games. Not surprisingly, mistakes by those young players have had a role in the disappointing close losses to Georgia, Alabama and Oklahoma.

Tennessee travels to Gainesville for a match up with Florida Saturday night and then returns home the next weekend to face Vanderbilt in Neyland Stadium to close out the regular season. The 7-3 Vols are ranked 20th in the national polls and even if they win out, a 9-3 record is unlikely to get them a spot in the college football playoffs.

Steve Gill is editor and publisher of TriStar Daily.