Arion Carter is back with the Vols, and the player that was brought in to replace him at Tennessee had a reaction to the news
The Tennessee Vols will have plenty of linebacker depth in 2026.
The Tennessee Vols received some positive news on Sunday.
Linebacker Arion Carter announced that he’s returning to Tennessee in 2026.
Carter was set to enter the NCAA transfer portal after withdrawing from the 2026 NFL Draft last Friday.
Vols head coach Josh Heupel, however, worked quickly to keep Carter from leaving Tennessee. Carter totaled 76 tackles in 2025, which was third on the team, and played in 10 of the Vols’ 13 games.
Arion Carter’s replacement reacts to the news
Tennessee essentially “replaced” Carter earlier this month by landing Penn State Nittany Lions transfer linebacker Amare Campbell.
Campbell played under new Vols defensive coordinator Jim Knowles at Penn State in 2025, making him a perfect fit for Tennessee in 2026.
Carter’s return to Tennessee could make for an awkward situation between the two linebackers.
Campbell, though, appears to be fired up that Carter is returning to Tennessee. The Penn State transfer tweeted, “Let’s f—ing do it” on Sunday night in response to Carter’s announcement.
Tennessee’s linebacker room suddenly looks like one of the best in the SEC. Carter and Campbell will likely be Tennessee’s top two linebackers in 2026, with Jeremiah Telander, Edwin Spillman, Jadon Perlotte, Jaedon Harmon, and Brayden Rouse all capable of also playing key roles for the Volunteers.
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