There are quite a few SEC rivalry games that won’t be played in 2026 due to the new nine game SEC conference schedule.

Fortunately, the Third Saturday in October rivalry between Tennessee and Alabama will continue to be played annually.

There’s still plenty of hate between the two teams — specifically between both fan bases — but there’s also a lot of respect.

That was evidenced by comments that Volunteers linebacker Arion Carter made at SEC Media Days in Tampa this week.

Carter was asked during an appearance on Hutton and Withrow who the hardest player is to tackle in space.

The senior linebacker quickly pointed to Alabama wide receiver Ryan Coleman-Wiliams.

“Ryan Williams,” said Carter. “Ryan Williams is hard to tackle in space. He’s a great athlete.”

Carter also pointed out Ohio State wide receiver Jeremiah Smith as a player that’s hard to tackle in space (Carter played against Smith in the 2024 College Football Playoff).

There are plenty of defensive players in the SEC who feel the same way about Coleman-Williams — even if they don’t want to admit it.

At least Carter, though, wasn’t afraid to say it out loud.