Boo Carter’s season with the Tennessee Volunteers has taken a frustrating turn. The sophomore defensive back was not included in the lineup for the game against New Mexico State on November 15. Coach Josh Heupel cited a failure to meet team standards as the reason for Carter’s inactivity.
Coach Heupel’s Statement on Boo Carter
Heupel emphasized the importance of maintaining a certain standard to be part of the team. “At the end of the day, there’s a standard that you have to meet to be in that locker room,” Heupel stated. He chose not to provide further comments regarding Carter’s future with the team.
Tennessee Secures Win Against New Mexico State
The No. 20 Tennessee Volunteers achieved a decisive victory, defeating New Mexico State 42-9. This game marked the conclusion of their non-conference schedule, and Carter’s surprise absence raised eyebrows among fans and analysts alike.
Boo Carter’s Season Performance
- Carter played in nine games this season.
- He recorded 25 tackles, with 4.5 tackles for a loss.
- He caused three fumbles and logged 11 punt returns for 145 yards.
In a previous game against Oklahoma on November 1, Carter contributed primarily on special teams, with no defensive participation. This was part of a series of setbacks, which were compounded by missed workouts and conflicts with team leadership due to his absences.
Challenges and Setbacks
Carter, hailing from Chattanooga, faced challenges in staying on the team. Coach Heupel allowed him to remain with the Volunteers after he met undisclosed requirements. Following this, he gradually rejoined team practices, initially focusing on individualized training before participating fully.
Status and Future Outlook
Despite earning SEC All-Freshman honors last season as both a defensive back and return specialist, Carter has not yet reclaimed his position as the anticipated starting nickelback. He had also been named a 2025 preseason All-SEC selection, highlighting his potential within the program.
As the season progresses, Carter’s role on the team and his ability to meet expectations will be closely monitored. The Volunteers continue to prepare for upcoming challenges in their season, looking to build on their recent success while addressing internal team dynamics.
