Two Tennessee Vols have already declared for the NFL Draft, with All-American Jermod McCoy announcing his time is done in Knoxville, and the 2025 SEC receiving yards leader, Chris Brazell II
Tennessee football is losing another player to the NFL Draft. This time, it's linebacker Arion Carter who is leaving Tennessee. Carter led Tennessee in tackles this year with 76, and he added 1.5 sacks and a forced fumble.
— Arion carter (@ArionCarter) December 12, 2025
In a letter to Tennessee fans Carter said,
"Tennessee has truly become home for me, and that's what has made this decision so difficult. / want to start by thanking my coaches for believing in me, pushing me, and holding me to the highest standard every single day. Thank you to the trainers, strength coaches, academic team & support staff that made sure I was completely taken care of on and off the field. I can't express enough gratitude for the role all of you played in my academic & athletic journey. Your willingness to challenge and push me beyond my limits has prepared me for every encounter that lies ahead.
To my teammates — my brothers - thank you for the battles we went through together, the memories we made and the bonds we built. I'll carry that with me forever. You made this experience special in ways I can't even put into words.
To the University of Tennessee & the Greatest fan base in the country, thank you for the opportunity to be a Vol!The college experience, game day atmosphere and relationships developed will last a lifetime. Playing for the Power T meant everything to me.
So with a lot of prayer and conversations with my family & those closest to me, l've decided to declare for the NFL Draft.
Forever Grateful, Forever a VOL
ARION CARTER"
Arion Carter Declares for the NFL Draft
Losing Carter definitely hurts, as many Vols fans thought we would have one more season of him in the orange and white. Carter will likely opt out of the Music City Bowl, though it is not 100% certain.
With Carter gone, the Tennessee linebacker room will need to be completely overhauled in the portal. They still have one of the SEC's premier freshman linebackers in Edwin Spillman, but after that, it's a lot of unproven depth or true freshmen.
Carter is a very good linebacker who has a shot to be a day two pick. He is a rangy, athletic linebacker who can play all three downs. He is an excellent run defender who has the ability to cover tight ends and running backs. Jim Knowles is the biggest loser in this. Carter fits very well in his system, his sideline-to-sideline ability would've been a significant asset in 2026.
The former 4-star top 150 prospect will potentially be the first Tennessee linebacker drafted since 2017, when the Detroit Lions drafted Jalen Reeves-Maybin in the fourth round.
Carter will be missed in 2026 for the Volunteers, with a rebound season on the clock.