The Tennessee Volunteers are officially just a month away from opening their season against Syracuse. Meanwhile, there’s been growing buzz in the Tennessee locker room surrounding Boo Carter and his ongoing situation behind the scenes involving missed team activities.

“Tennessee sophomore defensive back Boo Carter is expected to be one of the Volunteers’ best players in 2025 on defense, offense and special teams, but his status with the team is unclear as we inch closer to August. Carter has missed ‘numerous’ team activities and was even confronted by team leaders because of his absences, according to the Knoxville News Sentinel,” CBS Sports’ Jordan Dajani reported.

There has been speculation that even if Carter remains on the team, he will still face consequences.

“If he reports to that meeting tonight (UT is supposed to have a pre-fall camp team meeting on Monday evening), he’s going to be in a different reality, I can tell you that,” said Vols insider Tony Basilio. “I’m hearing they’re going to make this kid earn his way back onto that team, if that’s what he wants to do. In other words, he’s going to lose some privileges here on the front end (of fall camp).”

Before head coach Josh Heupel had the chance to officially comment on Carter’s status, ESPN’s Chris Low reported that Carter would be given another opportunity. However, during his press conference, Heupel clarified that Carter won’t be seeing the field anytime soon.

“Boo is a part of our team here,” Heupel said. “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 apart 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.”

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This appears to be the right move. It reinforces the team’s culture and sends a clear message that the program won’t compromise its standards. The focus now shifts to how Carter responds and what steps he takes to regain the trust of his coaches and teammates. With the season opener fast approaching, it remains to be seen whether he’ll be ready to contribute when the time comes.