According to reports, Josh Heupel decides Boo Carter’s future with the Tennessee Vols as a sophomore defensive back.
Josh Heupel addressed Boo Carter’s situation publicly during SEC Media Days in mid‑July 2025 and again on the eve of preseason practice. He confirmed emphatically that Carter has not been dismissed from the team. Reports surfaced that Carter had missed multiple team workouts and was confronted by team leaders, but Heupel made it clear that while Carter remains part of the program, there are expectations and milestones he must meet before returning to play. Specifically, Heupel said: “Boo is a part of our team here. There’s some things he’s got to accomplish to get back on the field here. Don’t have a set timeline 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.” He reiterated that he would handle all inquiries about Boo’s status and that the process would remain internal (On3).
In sum, Heupel rejected speculation that Carter would be dismissed. ESPN’s Chris Low had reported that while there was a lot of speculation, sources told him Carter is not being dismissed. Fans had begun swirling rumors, some quite fierce, including allegations about gang involvement. His mother publicly denied that on Facebook. Many fans reacted with outrage at the possibility of Carter staying after such drama, calling the program “soft” or saying Tennessee had “no morals.” But others defended the decision, citing trust in the coaching staff and Carter’s promise as a rising star (Sportskeeda).
What Carter did on the field as a true freshman in 2024 helps explain why Tennessee was not quick to part with him even amid controversy. He appeared in all 13 games, making five starts at the STAR safety position. He recorded 38 total tackles (28 solo), added one sack, one interception, and contributed on special teams as a punt returner with 12 returns for 198 yards—averaging 16.5 yards per return, leading the SEC (Rocky Top Insider). His performance earned him a spot on the SEC All‑Freshman team, and he flashed serious playmaking ability both in the secondary and on special teams.
Adding to his appeal is the coaching staff’s experimentation with Carter in a two‑way role. During spring practice in spring 2025, Heupel confirmed that Tennessee had given him reps on offense—in part because the Vols lacked depth at receiver, and Carter had the athletic profile to contribute there. Heupel emphasized that the workload for a potential two‑way role is significant—“you got to understand what’s going on on both sides of football”—but said Carter had done very well in learning offense and defense and was being intentionally inserted into various positions during practice and scrimmages. Quarterback Nico Iamaleava also praised his energy and adaptability when Carter saw reps on offense. But there was no guarantee this expanded role would translate to regular offensive snaps; Heupel remained measured, giving credit for effort while not overhyping the outcome (Rocky Top Insider).
By late July 2025, as Tennessee approached fall camp, Carter’s situation became more complicated. Reports—particularly from CBS and ESPN—indicated that Carter had been absent from team activities since around July 16, following an altercation with teammates, and had undergone a change in agent. CBS Sports reported he missed workouts and got into a conflict with teammates. Carter’s absence began before camp started and was not related to NIL or revenue sharing; rather it stemmed from violations of team rules, according to reporting. That absence raised alarm bells about his readiness to play as Tennessee counted on him in a thin secondary and as a dynamic playmaker. AP reporting echoed Heupel’s comments: Carter is on the team, but must accomplish certain things before he’s back on the field. No suspension details were disclosed, and again, no timeline was offered (CBSSports.com).
A broader SEC preview—published days after the media day remarks—highlighted Tennessee’s secondary as one of the most talented but most uncertain in the conference. It noted that cornerback Jermod McCoy, recovered from ACL surgery, and Carter, with his unresolved offseason situation, were key if-then variables. The preview ranked Tennessee’s DB group fourth in the SEC (Alabama first, Texas second, Georgia third), but its projection hinged on Carter clearing those unresolved issues and rejoining the lineup. If he did, Tennessee would likely have one of the best secondaries in the league (CBSSports.com).
Looking ahead, media outlets and fans expected Heupel to provide updates throughout training camp. The fact that he was personally fielding all questions about Carter signaled Tennessee’s desire to control the messaging and keep matters internal. Heupel’s leadership council involvement was central—they reportedly confronted Boo about his absences, and Heupel said he was proud of the council’s handling of the situation. That group of team leaders apparently helped guide discussions with Carter and weigh in on his next steps (On3).
Fan reaction has been mixed. As mentioned above, some criticized the program’s decision to retain Carter, calling it morally bankrupt; others praised the move, trusting the coaches’ judgment and valuing Carter’s long‑term potential. On boards such as Reddit’s r/ockytop, multiple fans expressed both excitement about his dynamic playmaking and concern about his maturity and discipline. One fan said, “Boo Carter is gonna be like that I think,” referencing Tennessee great Eric Berry, but another tempered expectations: “I love Boo, but he does not strike me as generational” (Reddit). On his future in an offensive role, fans wondered if Tennessee would eventually give him spot snaps on that side, especially if the receiver room remained thin—some argued he might “not even have to ask, he may be a starting WR” if depth didn’t improve (Reddit).
In summary, as of late July 2025, Heupel has positioned himself firmly in the middle: Carter remains on the team, is not dismissed, but must earn his way back. There is no public timeline and no comment on potential suspension length or specific conditions. Leadership council involvement suggests Tennessee is handling it internally and values both team culture and accountability. Heupel has locked down the issue as his to manage: “I will be the one that handles and will take questions on Boo.”
From a performance standpoint, Carter’s freshman year—38 tackles, a sack, an interception, elite punt return numbers—plus his experimentation on offense during spring, make him a high‑value asset if he returns fully focused. That explains the patience.
From a team needs standpoint, Tennessee is short in the secondary—corner McCoy is recovering, safeties transferred, and Carter occupies a unique slot role. Losing him would force the Vols to rely on less experienced options like Jalen McMurray or incoming transfers such as Colton Hood. Many analysts flagged Carter’s return as a make‑or‑break variable for the secondary depth chart and potential SEC standing
Observers expect updates during fall camp or even in the pre‑season media scramble. For now, there is no dismissal, but there is conditional participation. Carter’s future with the Vols remains his to re‑earn, day by day, through meeting team expectations and completing whatever requirements Tennessee’s leadership council and coaching staff have placed before him. As Heupel and the program move through training camp, roster decisions—and injury outcomes—will determine exactly when (or if) Boo Carter takes the field again in 2025.
That is the full picture based on reporting to date: Heupel has not decided to dismiss Carter, but has placed his return in pending status. His future remains in limbo, contingent on him fulfilling unspecified requirements and re‑joining the team culture in a satisfactory manner.
