Josh Heupel addresses Boo Carter’s departure from Tennessee football team
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Tennessee fans expected Boo Carter to develop into the Volunteers’ next star defender following his strong freshman season. Since the calendar turned to 2025, though, Carter has seemingly been at odds with the program. Now, after nine games this season, he’s entering the transfer portal.
Carter, who was not going to play versus New Mexico State for disciplinary reasons, did not show up to the Vols’ 42-9 victory over the Aggies. He was reportedly expected to attend and watch the game from the sideline with his teammates despite not suiting up.
The optics surrounding Carter don’t necessarily look the best for Josh Heupel. Regardless, he has no qualms about his actions concerning who fans thought would be a star defender.
“[I’m] not regretful,” Heupel told reporters on Monday when asked about Carter’s second chance in Knoxville. “At the end of the day, it’s our job as coaches to try to mold these guys… sometimes it works out, sometimes it doesn’t. At the end of day, we’re moving forward.”
Carter recorded 25 tackles and 4.5 tackles for loss in orange and white this year. Tennessee (7-3, 3-3 SEC) has an opportunity for its third 10-win season under Heupel if it can win out and triumph in its bowl game. The Volunteers travel to Florida in Week 13 (7:30 p.m. E.T., ABC).
