With the conclusion of SEC Media Days, three Tennessee Volunteers received Preseason All-SEC honors, all from the defensive side of the ball. Star cornerback Jermod McCoy was Tennessee’s only first-team selection, while defensive back and wide receiver Boo Carter and linebacker Arion Carter earned third-team honors.
Shockingly, the Volunteers were predicted to finish ninth in the SEC’s 2025 preseason poll with 1,700 points. To no surprise, the Texas Longhorns headlined the rankings with 3,060 points, followed by the Georgia Bulldogs with 2,957. Tennessee ranked just behind the Texas A&M Aggies (1,892) and one spot ahead of the Oklahoma Sooners (1,613).
Jermod McCoy, Jr. DB
In 2024, McCoy had a successful first season with the Volunteers after transferring from the Oregon State Beavers. Before tearing his ACL in January 2025 during an offseason workout, McCoy received All-SEC first-team honors (AP) after recording 44 tackles, four interceptions, and nine pass deflections.
Although he is still rehabbing the injury, McCoy is expected to be back on the field around the start of the season. He is arguably the Vols’ top returning player and is poised for another standout campaign in 2025.
Last season, McCoy led a defense that ranked No. 6 in total defense in the FBS. Despite the loss of five safeties in the offseason — four via the transfer portal — Tennessee’s secondary is still projected to be among the best in the nation. Athlon Sports ranked the Vols’ defensive backfield No. 8 heading into 2025, thanks in large part to McCoy’s presence.
McCoy is also the highest-rated player in EA Sports College Football 26, with a 94 overall rating. He also ranks as the sixth-best defensive player in the game.
Arion Carter, Jr. LB
Carter is considered a key leader for Tennessee’s defense. During an appearance on 99.1 The Sports Animal, VolQuest’s Austin Price praised his leadership:
“Arion Carter is one that will rally the troops,” Price said. “He’s the guy that in the pregame will give the Drew Brees speech. He’s that type of player. A year ago, it was Dylan Sampson. So it certainly feels like he’s ready to take off. This is a real opportunity for him this year. This, to me, is a contract year — if he has a really good year, he’s off to the NFL. So he’s motivated.”
In addition to playing a leadership role for the Volunteers, Carter is also one of the Vols’ best defenders. Carter has been a contributor since arriving in Knoxville as a freshman. Last season, as a full-time starter, he led the Vols with 68 tackles. Carter also tied for second with Vols’ defensive lineman Bryson Eason in tackles for loss with seven.
The star linebacker finished second on the team in pass deflections, with six, including an interception, illustrating his effectiveness in pass coverage.
There are seemingly no holes in Carter’s game, and he plays a crucial role on Tennessee’s defense. Carter likely has a breakout season in 2025 as long as he remains healthy.
Boo Carter, So. DB/WR
Another Carter is expected to make a significant impact for Tennessee this fall. Boo Carter, primarily a safety, is also set to take snaps at wide receiver following offseason discussions with the coaching staff.
Although it is unlikely Carter plays on offense as frequently as Travis Hunter did for Colorado during his historic 2024 Heisman-winning season, Carter’s offensive role could provide a spark for a Vols offense facing major uncertainty in the upcoming season.
Tennessee lost five wide receivers via the transfer portal since the start of the 2024 season, leaving only three scholarship receivers on the roster. Not to mention that Tennessee famously lost former five-star quarterback Nico Iamaleava to the UCLA Bruins in the offseason.
So, while the college football world waits to see how Carter performs on offense, there is still a lot to admire from him defensively. As a freshman, the ballhawking safety started in five games, tying for sixth on the team in tackles with 38 total, including three tackles for a loss and an interception.
However, Carter isn’t limited to offense and defense. In 2024, Carter also served as the Vols’ primary punt returner, averaging 16.5 yards per return for a total of 198 yards.
Carter’s ability to impact all three phases of the game makes him one of Tennessee’s most valuable assets to a Vols team that is desperate for playmakers in 2025.
