Carter Suspended Amid NCAA Rules Clash | Tennessee Volunteers Football News

Tennessee’s star linebacker Arion Carter’s college career hit a major snag when the NCAA suspended him for the first two games of the 2026 season over a $427 flight he took — a trip he made while considering going pro. After deciding to return to school, he paid back the fare and cut ties with his agent, but the NCAA didn’t budge. Coach Josh Heupel called the punishment “bullsh--,” and linebacker coach William Inge echoed the frustration, calling the penalty outdated and wildly disproportionate for today’s college sports landscape. Carter, who led the SEC in tackles per game last season, is a cornerstone of Tennessee’s defense — his absence will be felt especially hard in week two’s road game against Georgia Tech. Listen in comfort:Get a discount on a Soli Pillow: http://solipillow.com/discount/dnn. Advertise on DNN:[email protected] This is an automated, high-level news summary based on public reporting.Report issues to [email protected]. View sources & latest updates:https://sources.thednn.ai/4e989c3e6fe43a30