Josh Heupel Reportedly Makes Final Roster Decision Regarding Talented Sophomore Defensive Back Boo Carter’s Role With Tennessee Vols in 2025
As the Tennessee Volunteers gear up for one of their most anticipated football seasons in recent memory, head coach Josh Heupel has reportedly made a critical decision regarding the future of sophomore defensive back Boo Carter. The former four-star recruit and Knoxville native has been a fan favorite since committing to the Vols, and his unique combination of athleticism, swagger, and physicality has long made him a central figure in conversations about the team’s defensive identity.
Now, after months of speculation about where Carter fits best in Tennessee’s evolving defensive scheme, Heupel and defensive coordinator Tim Banks are believed to have finalized a plan for Carter’s role in 2025. According to multiple sources close to the program, Boo Carter will remain at safety full-time, anchoring the back end of the Vols’ defense and serving as both a leader and tone-setter for the unit moving forward.
This decision didn’t come lightly. Since arriving on campus, Carter has showcased positional versatility that tempted coaches to consider using him in multiple ways. As a true freshman in 2024, he saw time at nickel, safety, and even on special teams. He was constantly flying around the field, making plays with the kind of instinct that can’t be taught. But while his athleticism allowed him to handle different responsibilities, there was always a question of whether moving him around so much was helping or hindering his long-term development.
Heupel and Banks reportedly spent the offseason evaluating film, reviewing Carter’s impact at different positions, and speaking with the sophomore about where he felt most comfortable. In the end, the decision to lock Carter in at safety was based on three key factors: his natural fit at the position, the depth chart at other spots, and the leadership void in the secondary following several veteran departures.
From a schematic standpoint, Carter’s instincts, quickness, and range make him an ideal fit at safety. He tracks the ball well in the air, closes ground quickly, and delivers hits with purpose. While some coaches initially considered using him more heavily at nickel—where he could help shut down quick slot receivers and blitz off the edge—it became increasingly clear that Tennessee’s defense needed a stable, playmaking presence in the deeper part of the field. Carter was the obvious choice.
The decision also makes sense when looking at Tennessee’s roster dynamics. The Vols return experience at cornerback, with rising juniors and seniors who have logged significant SEC snaps. At nickel, the coaching staff believes they have a couple of young players ready to rotate in. But at safety, the position group is thin on experience and even thinner on proven playmakers. Carter, even as a sophomore, is the most dynamic athlete in that room. His ability to read quarterbacks, rotate in coverage, and come downhill against the run gives Tennessee an edge it lacked at times last year.
In many ways, this decision mirrors what the coaching staff did with other defensive stars in the past: identify the best fit early and commit to building them into elite players at that spot. For Carter, who has spent much of his football life bouncing between offense and defense, settling into a single role offers a sense of direction and clarity that should help accelerate his development.
One of the most impressive aspects of Carter’s game is his physical maturity. At just 5-foot-11 and 195 pounds, he may not have ideal NFL size, but he makes up for it with a fearless playing style and elite lower-body strength. He’s able to hold his own against bigger receivers and isn’t afraid to mix it up in the box. That toughness was on display throughout his freshman year, especially in games against SEC opponents like Missouri and South Carolina, where he consistently stood out as one of the fastest and most aggressive defenders on the field.
Heupel has repeatedly emphasized the importance of communication in the secondary, and Carter’s vocal nature fits the mold of what the staff wants from its safeties. According to sources within the program, Carter has already begun to take on more of a leadership role during offseason workouts, frequently being the first player in film study sessions and organizing defensive backfield meetings on his own time. Coaches believe that growth, both on and off the field, signals that he’s ready to become a foundational piece of the defense—not just physically, but emotionally.
There was also speculation this offseason that Carter might be considered for limited offensive snaps or a return role on special teams. Those discussions haven’t been entirely ruled out, but Heupel’s current plan is to prioritize Carter’s growth at safety and avoid the risk of overextending him too early. The belief is that, with another year of focused reps and mental reps at a single position, Carter can evolve into an All-SEC caliber player and perhaps even begin drawing early NFL attention by the end of the 2025 season.
What makes Carter’s situation so compelling is the level of expectation already surrounding him. He came to Knoxville not only as a talented recruit but as a symbolic figure—a local star choosing to stay home and help rebuild the program. That kind of narrative brings pressure, but so far, Carter has embraced it. He plays with confidence, competes with an edge, and never shies away from the spotlight. Fans have taken to his energy, his social media presence, and the way he throws up the “Power T” after every big play. He represents the future of Tennessee football as much as anyone on the roster.
The move to safety also speaks to how Tennessee is reshaping its defensive identity. For years, the Vols were known more for offensive fireworks than defensive consistency. But under Banks, the defense has become faster, more aggressive, and more opportunistic. The 2024 defense was solid but not elite. To take the next step in 2025 and truly challenge programs like Georgia and Alabama, Tennessee needs difference-makers on the back end. Carter has a chance to be that guy.
If he can stay healthy and continue developing his technique—particularly in deep zone coverage and pre-snap disguise—there’s little doubt he’ll become one of the SEC’s top defensive backs. Scouts have already noted his natural explosion and football IQ. The key now is refinement, which will only come through repetition and responsibility. That’s exactly what he’ll get at safety, where the Vols are prepared to turn him loose as their centerpiece on the back end.
Some within the program have even compared Carter’s potential trajectory to that of former Vols standout Eric Berry. While it’s premature to put Carter in the same category as a College Football Hall of Famer and NFL Pro Bowler, the comparison speaks to the level of excitement surrounding his potential. Berry was a game-changer—someone who altered offensive game plans. Tennessee believes Carter could be that kind of player in the years to come, especially if he continues his upward trajectory.
As the season approaches, Carter will likely start alongside fellow safety Christian Charles, with a rotation that includes Wesley Walker and Andre Turrentine. But make no mistake—Carter is the centerpiece of that group. The staff expects him to play nearly every snap in competitive games, take on a leadership role in pre-snap adjustments, and be the player opposing quarterbacks account for on every read.
For Josh Heupel, who has built Tennessee’s resurgence on speed, tempo, and smart roster development, the decision to solidify Carter’s role marks another step toward building a sustainable, championship-level defense. It’s also a sign that the program trusts its young stars to take on big responsibilities early. And for Carter himself, it’s a vote of confidence that he’s earned through performance, preparation, and poise.
The 2025 season will be Carter’s chance to go from promising playmaker to consistent star. Tennessee’s hopes on defense will, in many ways, rise and fall with his performance in the secondary. If he delivers, the Vols could take the next step toward national relevance. If he struggles, the defense may once again lack the firepower to compete with the SEC’s best.
But based on everything Boo Carter has shown so far—his work ethic, toughness, and desire to represent his home state—the odds seem strong that Tennessee made the right call. Now it’s up to him to prove it, snap after snap, in the unforgiving arena that is SEC football.
