Tennessee LB Arion Carter suspended by NCAA

Tennessee football was informed of a suspension for returning linebacker Arion Carter for the first two games of the year by the NCAA for a financial violation.

The agency’s investigation was based on a $437 plane trip to a pre-NFL workout that Carter’s agent purchased for him. Carter repaid the agent for the full amount then withdrew his name from the 2026 NFL Draft after an off-season injury and surgery.

Tennessee Head Coach Josh Heupel said the school will protest the NCAA decision. The school noted the initial penalty was a three-game suspension but was then reduced to two. If it stands, Carter would return for the Vols’ Sept. 19 home game with Kennesaw State.

(GRAPHIC: Used w/ University of Tennessee guidelines / Property of UT Office of Communications and Marketing)