Tennessee linebacker Arion Carter will miss the Volunteers’ first two games of the 2026 season after the NCAA upheld a two-game suspension tied to a $427 airline ticket paid for by an NFL agent during Carter’s pre-draft process. The penalty stems from a Level III NCAA rules violation, which the governing body classifies as a basic breach of conduct. In a statement, Heupel said, “Arion Carter represents everything that is right about college athletics, dedicating all four years of his career to the University of Tennessee. Over 31 career appearances with the Volunteers, Carter has totaled 161 tackles, 13.5 tackles for loss, one interception and one fumble recovery. Despite his absence to begin the season, Tennessee expects him to remain a key piece of its defense once his suspension is served.