Quick Info
| Profession | American football linebacker |
|---|---|
| Nationality | American |
| Date of Birth | 16/10/2004 |
| Age | 22 years |
| Birthplace | Smyrna, Tennessee, USA |
| Zodiac Sign | Libra |
Latest News about Arion Carter
01/11/2026
Carter was named one of 15 semifinalists nationally for the 2026 Butkus Award, given to the nation's most outstanding linebacker. He is one of five SEC players on the list and the first Tennessee player to earn a semifinalist spot since A.J. Johnson in 2014.
21/10/2026
Carter was named one of 20 semifinalists for the Jason Witten Collegiate Man of the Year award for the second consecutive year. The honour recognizes his role as the Volunteers' defensive leader and his community work, including hospital visits and Make-A-Wish support.
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Bio/Wiki
| Summary | Arion Carter is an American college football linebacker who plays for the Tennessee Volunteers, where he has been a starter in the defense since 2023. He was a four-star high school recruit from Smyrna High School in Tennessee and is a 2026 William V. Campbell Trophy finalist. He is a senior captain who was named a 2026 Butkus Award semifinalist and a 2026 Jason Witten Collegiate Man of the Year semifinalist. |
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Physical Stats & More
| Position | Linebacker (Will) |
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| Jersey Number | 7 |
| Listed Height | 6 ft 3 in (1.91 m) |
| Listed Weight | 245 lb (111 kg) |
Educational Qualification(s)
| High School | Smyrna High School, Smyrna, Tennessee |
|---|---|
| University | University of Tennessee |
| Degree | Public health, graduated cum laude in August 2026 with a 3.53 GPA |
Personal Life
| Notes | Publicly reported to have cut his hair to honour his girlfriend during her breast cancer treatment. He pledged to donate $427 to cancer research for every tackle he makes in the 2026 season, partnering with a nonprofit run by his mother. |
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Relationships & More
| Girlfriend | Mariah Bryant |
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Family
| Mother | Sheteka Alexander |
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Career
| High School | Smyrna High School; named Mr. Football for Class 6A and Gatorade Tennessee Football Player of the Year in his senior season |
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| College | Tennessee Volunteers, 2023 to present |
| 2023 Season | 17 tackles in 7 games before a season-ending shoulder injury |
| 2024 Season | 67 tackles, 5 tackles for loss, career-high 10 tackles against Kentucky |
| 2025 Season | Led the team in tackles, with 75 to 76 total tackles, and 1.5 sacks |
| Honours |
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| Other Events | Declared for the 2026 NFL Draft in January 2026 but returned to college; served a one-game NCAA suspension over a flight from an agent and missed the 2026 season opener |
| 2026 Season | Served as team captain in every game and averaged a team-best 7.17 tackles per game through the first eight games |
Some Lesser Known Facts
| 1. His first name is pronounced air-EE-on. | |
| 2. He would be the first in his family to graduate from college. | |
| 3. He committed to Tennessee in December 2022 over offers from Alabama and Ohio State. | |
| 4. He pledged to donate $427, the cost of the flight behind his suspension, to cancer research for every tackle he made in the 2026 season. | |
| 5. He is Tennessee's first Butkus Award semifinalist since A.J. Johnson in 2014. |
