Tennessee coach blasts NCAA after linebacker receives two-game ban

After Arion Carter declared for the NFL draft, hired an agent and received a $427 airfare from his representative, the NCAA deemed him ineligible under long-standing rules and imposed a two-game suspension for the 2026 season. Carter later withdrew from the draft, repaid the ticket, entered the transfer portal briefly, and re-enrolled at Tennessee. Head coach Josh Heupel publicly criticized the NCAA, describing the sanction as “bullshit” and out of step with modern NIL realities.

He emphasized Carter’s honesty and the financial loss caused by a foot injury that prompted his return to college. The university reported the infraction to the NCAA, which upheld the suspension. Carter will sit out the first two games, missing a high-profile matchup against Georgia Tech.