The NCAA has released a statement regarding the decision to suspend Tennessee linebacker Arion Carter for 2 games to begin the 2026 season.
Per a statement from Josh Heupel, Carter accepted a $427 flight from an agent after declaring for the 2026 NFL Draft. He later withdrew from the draft and decided to return to Tennessee due to an injury. Despite re-paying for the flight and “disengaging” from the agent, the NCAA decided to levy the 2-game suspension.
Here’s the NCAA’s statement on the matter:
NCAA rules are clear: student-athletes may not sign with agents to pursue NFL Draft opportunities, and this student-athlete knowingly violated those longstanding rules. When student-athletes violate NCAA rules, the school declares them ineligible and works with the national office to determine requirements for reinstatement, which can include repayment and/or withholding from competition.
Heupel said in a statement that Tennessee disagrees with the NCAA’s decision.
“Our team stands behind AC and his family, and we can’t wait to be on the field with him during training camp next week,” Heupel said in-part.
With the suspension, Carter will miss the first 2 games of Tennessee’s season against Furman and Georgia Tech. When available, Carter is one of Tennessee’s best defensive players. He has registered 68+ tackles and 6+ tackles for loss each of the past 2 seasons for the Vols.
Spenser is a news editor for Saturday Down South and covers college football across all Saturday Football brands.
