Tennessee football and Boo Carter's frustrating and complicated relationship came to an end on Sunday. On3 Sports' Pete Nakos confirms the decision for Carter to be dismissed from the program after not being with the team on Saturday in the Vols' 42-9 win over New Mexico State.
Tennessee officially confirms to @On3sports that Boo Carter is no longer a member of the Volunteers' football program. https://t.co/OiJU2Vl8Ul
— Pete Nakos (@PeteNakos) November 16, 2025
Heupel addressed Carter's absence after the New Mexico State game, saying he broke team rules.
"At the end of the day, there’s a standard you’ve gotta meet to be in that locker room," Heupel said. "So he was not out on the field with us. That will be my last response to anything related to that for right now."
Carter also released a statement after the news broke that he would no longer continue the season with the team, stating his season had ended due to injury.
“I’d like to take this opportunity to thank The University of Tennessee Coaches, administrators, and fans for a wonderful two years,” Carter said. “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!”
The former four-star recruit from Chattanooga had some offseason issues, leading him to leave the team for a period of time in the summer. Since that point, his relationship within the program, with his coaches, and with his teammates has been strained.
Since that point, we haven't seen him reach his potential this season. He has been out on the field, but hasn't made plays the same way he did last year in his first season.
There were plans to make Carter a part of the offensive game plan this year, but that opportunity was squashed after his offseason issues.
Tennessee is 7-3 heading into its final two games of the season. The Vols have two big rivalry games on deck to finish the year with a trip to Gainesville, Florida, and then host Vanderbilt in the final game of the regular season.