Seemingly out of nowhere, rumors have been flying when it comes to Tennessee football two-way standout Boo Carter. Earlier in the week, word spread that Carter wasn't 'plugged in' with the team this summer, with longtime radio host Tony Basilio claiming he had been angering some people in Knoxville.
Well, it looks like things have reached a new level. According to beat reporter Adam Sparks, his sources confirmed with him that Carter has been a no-show for some team workouts this offseason and that team leaders have called him out for it. Not only that, but Sparks said in his latest report that Carter's status with the team is now 'uncertain' leading up to fall camp:
Tennessee standout Boo Carter missed numerous team activities, and he was confronted by team leaders because of his absence.
— Adam Sparks (@AdamSparks) July 23, 2025
Could this escalate like the Nico Iamaleava situation? Or can this be repaired?
Tennessee fans deserve stability.https://t.co/4eh3lYcVzC
Boo Carter's status with Tennessee football is reportedly uncertain ahead of camp
"Carter’s status with the Vols is uncertain. Knox News has learned that Carter missed numerous team activities, and he was confronted by team leaders because of his absence. UT declined comment," Sparks wrote in his piece for the Knoxville News-Sentinel. "But coach Josh Heupel is expected to address Carter’s status at UT’s on-campus media day on July 29, if it hasn’t been resolved by then. Preseason practice begins July 30."
Early next week, we could have some clarity on what the future is going to have in store for Carter and the Vols. Until Heupel speaks, however, everyone is going to be wondering just what in the heck is going to happen with the standout defensive back/receiver.
Carter is coming off a strong 2024, really turning heads in the SEC. This offseason, however, he reportedly flirted with the idea of entering the transfer portal, with him being linked to several different programs - the list included Colorado.
Instead of leaving town, Carter decided to stay in Knoxville and the expectation was that he'd be playing on both sides of the ball this fall for the Vols. The fact that he's been skipping team workouts and not showing an all-in mentality is definitely a concern, though.
Obviously, people are going to bring up Nico Iamaleava and his exit from the team. Could another similar situation play out? Vols fans are hoping that won't be the case, but Heupel and members of the team council won't sit back and let Carter act like he's bigger than the locker room. Obviously, this is now a situation for everyone to keep a close eye on moving forward. With that said, there are now plenty of nervous Tennessee supporters out there.