Tennessee coach Josh Heupel: DB Boo Carter still with team

Field Level Media|published: Tue 29th July, 13:58 2025

NCAA Football: Mississippi State at Tennessee

Nov 9, 2024; Knoxville, Tennessee, USA; Tennessee Volunteers defensive back Boo Carter (23) runs with the ball against the Mississippi State Bulldogs during the first half at Neyland Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Saul Young/USA TODAY Network via Imagn Images

Tennessee coach Josh Heupel confirmed Tuesday that star defensive back Boo Carter still is with the team.

The Knoxville News Sentinel reported last week that Carter had missed "numerous" team activities and had been confronted by team leaders about the absences.

Heupel addressed the situation Tuesday during the Volunteers' on-campus media day. Preseason practice begins on Wednesday, and the season opens Aug. 30 against Syracuse in Atlanta.

"Boo is a part of our team here," Heupel said, per On3.com. "There's some things he's got to accomplish to get back on the field here. Don't have a set timetable on that.

"Our leadership council has been a part of those things, those discussions, with me and with Boo. I'm proud of what they've done. They care and love Boo, and want him to be his best, too. And through this thing, I think Boo sees that as well."

As a freshman in 2024, Carter contributed 38 tackles, one interception and one sack in 13 games. He also returned 12 punts for 198 yards, a 16.5-yard average.

--Field Level Media

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