UNIVERSITY OF TENNESSEE — LB
3.53 GPA — Public Health
Head Coach: Josh Heupel | Athletics Director: Dr. Daniel J. White
Faculty Athletics Representative: Dr. Matt Harris
Arion Carter has distinguished himself as an All-SEC linebacker, accomplished student and dedicated advocate for worthy causes. The Smyrna, Tennessee, native becomes the Volunteers' eighth NFF National Scholar-Athlete and first since 2020.
Carter graduated cum laude from Tennessee in August 2026 with a degree in public health, completing his undergraduate studies in just three and a half years. A three-time SEC Academic Honor Roll member and Dean's List honoree, he has combined his academic achievements with an interest in pursuing postgraduate studies in medicine.
A three-year letterman and two-year team captain, Carter earned Second Team All-SEC honors in 2025 after accumulating 76 tackles. He paced the SEC with 7.6 tackles per game and recorded 17 tackles against Mississippi State, tying for the most in a single game among Power Four players last season. This season, Carter recorded 11 tackles against No. 1 Texas and helped recover an onside kick. Through Tennessee’s first seven games, he has recorded 43 tackles (second most on the team), five tackles for loss, two sacks and two fumble recoveries (tied for the most in the SEC), bringing his career totals to 204 tackles and 18.5 tackles for loss.
Carter helped Tennessee reach the inaugural 12-team College Football Playoff in 2024, finishing 10-3 and ranked No. 9 nationally. He also contributed to the Volunteers' 2023 Citrus Bowl championship and a 9-4 campaign that concluded with a No. 17 ranking. Last season, his efforts aided an 8-5 season and Music City Bowl appearance. This season, Tennessee has put together a 6-1 campaign, placing the Volunteers at No. 11 in the AP Top 25.
Carter's commitment to others extends beyond football. After shaving his head in support of his girlfriend, Mariah, during her treatment for breast cancer, he pledged a portion of his NIL earnings for each tackle and other defensive achievements to Girls in Real Life Situations (GIRLS), a nonprofit helping young women overcome adversity. He also participated in the VOLeaders Academy's service trip to Brazil, represented Tennessee on the SEC Football Leadership Council and visited patients at Dolly Parton Children's Hospital. He represented Tennessee at SEC Media Days in consecutive years, becoming one of only eight Volunteers selected multiple times.
(All stats through Oct. 17 games.)
