Josh Heupel explains Boo Carter’s absence, says ‘standard’ wasn’t met
By David Wasson
Published:
The No. 23 Tennessee Volunteers had little trouble dispatching New Mexico State on Saturday, trouncing the Aggies 42-9. But one key Volunteers was missing from the sidelines, as Vols coach Josh Heupel confirmed that sophomore defensive back Boo Carter was not at Neyland Stadium.
Heupel indicated to reporters after the game that Carter was not present because a “standard” for the program wasn’t met. The coach added that he wouldn’t comment on Carter again Saturday — thus offering no specifics on the reason for Carter’s absence or any potential permanence.
This issue marks the most recent incident that Carter has been a part of in his 2 seasons in Knoxville. According to a report by Knox News in July, Tennessee’s team leaders were fed up with Carter after confronting the standout defensive back following his absence from numerous team activities.
According to the report at the time, Carter’s status with the Volunteers was currently “uncertain” – further angering teammates and Tennessee fans who had already endured the Nico Iamaleava saga in the spring.
Carter had recorded 16 solo tackles, 3 pass deflections, 3 forced fumbles and 2 sacks defensively in 2025 before missing Saturday’s game against New Mexico State. He also had 11 punt returns for 145 yards this season.
Tennessee plays at Florida on Nov. 22, and takes on No. 14 Vanderbilt at home in the season finale on Nov. 29.
An APSE national award-winning writer and editor, David Wasson has almost four decades of experience in the print journalism business in Florida and Alabama. His work has also appeared in The New York Times, The Washington Post, the Los Angeles Times and several national magazines and websites. He also hosts Gulfshore Sports with David Wasson, weekdays from 3-5 pm across Southwest Florida and on FoxSportsFM.com. His Twitter handle: @JustDWasson.
