KNOXVILLE, TN – After the NCAA decided it was going to suspend Tennessee linebacker Arion Carter for the opening two games of the upcoming season, his head coach did not hesitate to call out the organization for the current rule structure.
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.
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Linebacker 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.
Tennessee coach unloads on NCAA suspension
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 “You look at the landscape of college football, the rules of NIL and everything, I think the ruling is completely outdated.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 NIL
Tennessee head coach Josh Heupel, center, and defensive lineman James Pearce Jr. (27) celebrate with their team after defeating Oklahoma during an NCAA college football game Saturday, Sept. 21, 2024, in Norman, Okla. (AP Photo/Alonzo Adams)
What did the NCAA have to say in response to upholding a 2-game suspension for Arion Carter?
“NCAA rules are clear: student-athletes may not sign with agents to pursue NFL Draft opportunities, and this student-athlete knowingly violated those longstanding rules. When student-athletes violate NCAA rules, the school declares them ineligible and works with the national office to determine requirements for reinstatement, which can include repayment and/or withholding from competition.”
The problem is that there is no way back for an athlete if they decided to declare for the draft, but potentially get hurt in the early training process before all-star games, and also before winter workouts are set to begin in college.
Josh Heupel stands with his player against NCAA ruling
The whole process is laughable when it comes to what is actually transpiring in college athletics right now.
There are schools using agents to circumvent that rev-share cap so athletes can make millions, while high school prospects are signing are agreeing to terms with schools that include private airfare travel for the player themself and their family.
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Right now, college athletes are making millions of dollars for their schools, and the NCAA, but a rule that is outdated is preventing a football player from garnering national exposure like Carter would when Tennessee plays Georgia Tech in a primetime game during the second week.
“AC at the end of last chose to enter his name in the NFL Draft process in the middle of January, right before the deadline where you have to make the final declaration,” Josh Heupel noted. “He found out he needed a medical procedure that was gonna require surgery. He made the choice, and the right choice for him, to come back to college football.
“He was upfront and honest, and paid back the four-hundred-dollar flight. He’s done everything, and handled everything, the right way. Very truthful, and upfront about everything. I think it’s unfortunate that a young man that represents everything inside of this game the right way is faced with that ruling.”
Arion Carter No. 7 of the Tennessee Volunteers celebrates a third-down stop during a game against Alabama at Neyland Stadium on Oct. 19, 2024, in Knoxville, Tenn. (Getty Images)
Now, even though he is a leader on the Tennessee football team, Arion Carter will miss the opening games of the 2026 season.
The young man could have sued the NCAA, and probably won pretty easily, and this would have been another court case the organization would have had to deal with.
But, Carter is going about his business in preparation for the season and handling it with grace.
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There are plenty of people who don’t agree with the NCAA upholding a suspension, and the Tennessee administration is high on the list. And most likely, college football fans across the country.
