Despite speculation that DB Orlando “Boo” Carter might be removed from the Tennessee Volunteers football program after missing several offseason team activities and being confronted by team leaders, he is back with the team for fall camp and was seen on the practice field on Wednesday in Knoxville, Tennessee.
Boo Carter Seen at Tennessee Practice Despite Offseason Concerns
Despite earning Freshman All-SEC honors, defensive back Boo Carter was reportedly at risk of being dismissed from the Tennessee program after missing multiple offseason team activities. Team leaders confronted him about his absences, leading to speculation that he might enter the transfer portal.
However, Tennessee head coach Josh Heupel addressed the situation on Monday, saying Carter will remain with the team but must meet certain requirements before he can return to practice.
#Vols head coach Josh Heupel says Boo Carter remains with the team but there are things he needs to accomplish before getting back on the field.
Says there is no set timeline on that.
🔗https://t.co/zp3BPpoEkM pic.twitter.com/KBtPB5mJeB
— Volquest Staff (@Volquest_On3) July 29, 2025
Heupel’s statement appears accurate, as Carter was on the field for fall camp today but was the only player without a helmet during warmups.
Boo Carter on the practice field for stretch this morning. pic.twitter.com/h32vaYnbpS
— Austin Price (@AustinPriceless) July 30, 2025
It’s still unclear why Boo Carter missed team activities this offseason, but it’s evident that both his teammates and the Tennessee coaching staff believe he hasn’t earned the right to return to full practice yet.
Although he’s currently sidelined, Tennessee will need the young defensive back to be fully bought in if the defense is going to thrive in 2025.
As a true freshman in 2024, Carter recorded 38 total tackles, three tackles for loss, one sack, and one interception. He also served as the team’s punt returner, averaging 16.5 yards per return. He’s one of the Vols’ top returning defenders and was expected to play a key role in the secondary this fall.
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Carter must earn his teammates’ trust and respect before he can be a full participant in Tennessee’s fall camp. The Vols open the season with a neutral-site game against the Syracuse Orange at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia.
There’s no confirmation on whether Carter will be available for that game. It wouldn’t be surprising if the staff waits to activate him until after the Week 2 game against Eastern Tennessee, holding him out until Tennessee starts conference play in Week 3 against Georgia on September 13.
Carter will need to take all the right steps from now on to regain the trust he lost this offseason.
