Tennessee Safety Boo Carter Transfers to Colorado

Former SEC All-Freshman standout leaves Volunteers program after turbulent 2025 season

Apr. 12, 2026 at 4:35pm

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A cubist, geometric painting depicting a college football player in motion, with sharp, overlapping shapes and planes in navy blue, orange, and white, conveying the dynamic nature of the sport and the opportunity for a fresh start.A transfer portal move offers a chance for a talented defensive back to reboot his college football career.Chattanooga Today

In a surprising move, Tennessee safety Boo Carter has decided to leave the Volunteers and join the Colorado Buffaloes football program. Carter, a former four-star recruit and SEC All-Freshman team member, had a productive two-year stint at Tennessee, but his 2025 season was marked by disciplinary issues and an absence from a key game. Now Carter will look to revive his college career at Colorado, seeking a fresh start after the challenges he faced in Knoxville.

Why it matters

Carter's transfer highlights the complex dynamics of the NCAA's Transfer Portal, where talented players can seek new opportunities but also must overcome past missteps. His move from an SEC powerhouse to a Pac-12 program will be closely watched, as Carter aims to regain his previous form and boost the Buffaloes' secondary.

The details

During his two seasons at Tennessee, Carter established himself as a standout defensive back, recording 63 tackles, 2 sacks, 3 forced fumbles, 1 interception, and 3 pass breakups. He was named to the 2024 SEC All-Freshman team and was a preseason All-SEC third-team selection in 2025. However, Carter's 2025 campaign was marred by disciplinary issues, as he missed several days of team activities in July and was absent for the Volunteers' win over New Mexico State in November. Head coach Josh Heupel expressed disappointment in Carter's actions, stating, 'There's a standard you've gotta meet to be in that locker room.' Despite regaining the staff's trust, Carter ultimately decided to part ways with the program and enter the transfer portal, leading to his decision to join the Colorado Buffaloes.

  • Carter was a four-star recruit and the 111th overall player in the 2024 class, according to Rivals.
  • He played two seasons at Tennessee, earning SEC All-Freshman honors in 2024 and preseason All-SEC recognition in 2025.
  • In 2025, Carter missed several days of team activities in July and was absent for the Volunteers' win over New Mexico State in November.
  • Shortly after the New Mexico State game, it was reported that Carter was leaving the Tennessee program.
  • Carter has now committed to continue his college career at the University of Colorado, joining the Buffaloes for the 2026 season.

The players

Boo Carter

A former four-star safety recruit who played two seasons at the University of Tennessee, earning SEC All-Freshman honors in 2024 and preseason All-SEC recognition in 2025 before deciding to transfer to the University of Colorado.

Josh Heupel

The head football coach at the University of Tennessee, who expressed disappointment in Carter's disciplinary issues during the 2025 season.

Colorado Buffaloes

The football program at the University of Colorado, which has added Boo Carter as a transfer for the 2026 season.

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What they’re saying

“There's a standard you've gotta meet to be in that locker room.”

— Josh Heupel, Head Coach, University of Tennessee

What’s next

Carter will look to make an immediate impact for the Colorado Buffaloes in the 2026 season, as he aims to revive his college career and prove himself as a top defensive back in the Pac-12 conference.

The takeaway

Boo Carter's transfer from Tennessee to Colorado highlights the complexities of the NCAA's Transfer Portal, where talented players can seek new opportunities but must also overcome past disciplinary issues. Carter's move will be closely watched as he looks to regain his form and help boost the Buffaloes' secondary, while also serving as a cautionary tale about the importance of maintaining team standards and discipline.