Vols Rising Star Boo Carter Headlines List of Tennessee’s 10 Most Intriguing Players for 2025 Season

As the 2025 college football season approaches, Tennessee fans find themselves balancing high hopes and anxious curiosity. With the quarterback competition drawing much of the attention in Knoxville, it’s easy to overlook the depth of talent and compelling storylines that extend beyond the signal callers. But make no mistake—this Tennessee team isn’t just about who lines up under center. One name stands tall among a group of players whose development could define the Volunteers’ fate this fall: Boo Carter.

The electrifying sophomore defensive back is one of the most exciting athletes on Tennessee’s roster, and arguably one of the most dynamic in the SEC. A former four-star recruit from Chattanooga, Carter arrived in Knoxville last season with massive expectations and an even bigger personality. Now, entering his second year, the buzz surrounding him is reaching fever pitch—and for good reason.

Carter made an immediate impact as a freshman, flashing elite speed, instincts, and ball skills in limited action. While still learning the nuances of SEC defense, he delivered enough wow moments to suggest that he’s on the cusp of becoming a game-changing force. Coaches have raved about his offseason work ethic, and insiders point to Carter as a player who has taken on more vocal leadership during spring and summer workouts. That’s no small thing in a Tennessee secondary that’s eager to improve after an up-and-down 2024 campaign.

What makes Carter so intriguing isn’t just his raw athleticism—it’s the versatility. He’s the kind of defensive chess piece who can line up as a nickel corner, free safety, or even blitz off the edge when the moment calls for it. That Swiss army knife quality gives defensive coordinator Tim Banks more creative flexibility, and could be a major asset against the fast-paced, spread-heavy offenses that dominate the SEC. The coaching staff has hinted at packages specifically designed to showcase Carter’s skillset, including roles that allow him to freelance and capitalize on his knack for creating turnovers.

Tennessee is banking on a much-improved defense this fall, and Carter could be at the heart of that transformation. But he’s not alone. Beyond the quarterback race between Nico Iamaleava and Jake Merklinger, the Vols have a core of rising talents and seasoned veterans who will play critical roles in their pursuit of an SEC East title. While Carter headlines this group, the depth of intriguing stories across the roster points to a team with serious upside.

Among those stories is the return of Bru McCoy, whose 2024 season was cut short by injury. The sixth-year wideout is healthy again and determined to make his final collegiate campaign count. McCoy’s size and physicality make him a reliable red-zone target, and if he regains his pre-injury form, he could become a top target regardless of who wins the quarterback job. Paired with young receivers like Dont’e Thornton Jr. and Nathan Leacock, McCoy gives the offense a strong veteran presence in the passing game.

Another player generating quiet buzz is running back Cameron Seldon. A former track star with blistering speed, Seldon has bulked up in the offseason and is expected to see an expanded role in Tennessee’s rotation. His big-play ability, particularly on outside zone runs and screen passes, could give the Vols a home-run threat from the backfield—something they missed at times last year.

On the defensive side, linebacker Arion Carter is another name drawing attention. The sophomore was one of Tennessee’s most consistent defenders as a freshman, and he’s projected to be the anchor of the Vols’ linebacker corps in 2025. His football IQ and sideline-to-sideline range make him an ideal fit for Banks’ aggressive scheme. Coaches have praised his leadership and his ability to call out offensive shifts pre-snap—a rare skill for a player so early in his college career.

Defensive lineman James Pearce Jr. might be the team’s most physically gifted player. At 6-foot-5 and 240 pounds, Pearce has NFL scouts drooling. He showed flashes of elite pass-rushing ability last season and is expected to take a major leap this year. If he can consistently win one-on-one matchups and stay disciplined in run defense, Pearce could become a first-round pick and an anchor on the defensive front.

Then there’s John Campbell Jr., the veteran left tackle who returned for his final year to help solidify the offensive line. His experience and leadership are invaluable for a unit that must protect a young quarterback and open lanes for the Vols’ speedy backs. With several young linemen pushing for playing time, Campbell’s role as a mentor could be as important as his performance on Saturdays.

One wild card in the Vols’ 2025 outlook is tight end Ethan Davis. Now in his third year, Davis has finally overcome the injuries that hampered his early development. Coaches believe he has the talent to be a breakout player, and his combination of size, hands, and route-running could give Tennessee a much-needed weapon over the middle. If Davis can emerge as a reliable safety valve, it will go a long way in helping whoever wins the quarterback job settle in early.

Back on defense, cornerback Rickey Gibson III is another sophomore looking to make a leap. A physical, aggressive defender, Gibson turned heads this spring with several standout practices. He’s battling for a starting corner spot and has shown improved technique in man coverage—something the Vols need to bolster against the SEC’s top wideouts.

Special teams rarely get the spotlight, but freshman kicker Ryan Smith might break that trend. The Georgia native has an NFL-caliber leg and has been booming kicks from 55-plus yards in practice. If he can translate that consistency into live games, Tennessee could have found a long-term solution at a position that has cost them dearly in tight contests over the past two seasons.

The common thread among these players is potential—raw, exciting, and just waiting to be realized. Boo Carter might be the most electrifying name among them, but Tennessee’s 2025 roster is filled with players poised to elevate their game. For Josh Heupel and his staff, the challenge will be turning that potential into performance, especially in an SEC landscape that remains as brutal and unforgiving as ever.

This fall, Neyland Stadium will once again be rocking with over 100,000 fans clad in orange, hungry for a return to SEC supremacy. The pressure is high, the spotlight is bright, and the expectations are rising. With Nico Iamaleava or Jake Merklinger expected to lead the offense, much of the media attention will continue to focus on the quarterbacks. But smart observers know that Tennessee’s success in 2025 will be shaped just as much by players like Carter, Pearce, Seldon, and McCoy—athletes who can flip games with a single play.

For Boo Carter, the stage is set. The opportunity is there. And if his development continues on its current trajectory, he won’t just be one of the most intriguing players in Knoxville—he’ll be one of the most feared defenders in the SEC. As Tennessee charges into a pivotal season, the Vols’ fate may rest not just on the arm of a young quarterback, but on the instincts, speed, and fire of a sophomore safety ready to take the spotlight.