Following the 2025 season, Carter decided it was time to pursue his NFL dreams by declaring for the draft and hiring a professional agent to start the process.It was at that moment that the Tennessee linebacker lost his collegiate eligibility according to the antiquated rules currently in place.Because Carter also accepted a $427 plane ticket from his professional agent to attend a training session, which is when the linebacker first discovered that he had suffered a foot injury that would prevent him from fully reaching his potential of being drafted high.NCAA ROCKED BY COLORADO JUDGE'S 2022 CLASS ELIGIBILITY RULING THAT COULD RESHAPE COLLEGE SPORTS THIS YEARLinebacker Arion Carter of the Tennessee Volunteers speaks at SEC Football Media Day at Tampa Marriott Water Street on July 20, 2026, in Tampa, Fla.
(Getty Images)In reality, Arion would have lost millions because of the injury, so he decided the best course of action was a return to college, which transpired just weeks after he first initially announced his decision to go pro.Carter also paid back the $427 and the school self-reported the 'violation' to the NCAA.After informing Tennessee that he wanted to return, the question whether the Vols had a roster spot for him.So, he entered the transfer portal for a quick stop, before rejoining the Tennessee football program.Speaking on Tuesday before the Vols open Fall camp, head coach Josh Heupel did not mince words on the NCAA's punishment of a 2-game suspension for the linebacker."He's done everything the right way..The ruling that came out from the NCAA of a 2-game suspension I truly believe is bullshit," Heupel fiercely noted.
"You look at the landscape of college football, the rules of NIL and everything, I think the ruling is completely outdated.I am disappointed for him, and for us, with the result of that ruling."NCAA suspends Tennessee linebacker for $427 plane ticket, as college sports hands out millions in NILTennessee head coach Josh Heupel, center, a...