Overview
- He announced his decision on Jan. 18 with a social media post saying, “I’m back home! #VFL,” following a brief stint in the transfer portal after withdrawing from the NFL draft.
- He explained that he wants to complete his remaining credit hours and prove himself after playing through turf toe, aiming to enhance his draft stock with a full, healthy season.
- Tennessee head coach Josh Heupel engaged in multiple conversations with Carter, including discussions with his parents, as part of the program’s effort to keep him in Knoxville, per On3 reporting.
- Carter returns as a proven leader with 161 career tackles in 31 games, a team-high 76 tackles in 2025, and All-SEC Second Team honors after serving as a team captain.
- While in the portal he was ranked No. 103 overall and No. 8 among linebackers by On3, and his return stabilizes a defense now being retooled under new coordinator Jim Knowles.