As the Nebraska football team looks to reload its defense for the 2026 season, one new option in the form of Boo Carter might have just fallen into Matt Rhule's lap. The highly-touted defensive back left the Tennessee Volunteers earlier this week and is expected to be a target of NU when the portal officially opens later this winter.
Carter comes with a cautionary tale, as there's some dispute as to just why he's no longer with the Volunteers team, still hoping for a darkhorse slot in the College Football Playoffs. ESPN reported that Carter had been informed by the coaching staff that he wasn't going to play against the Aggies because of disciplinary issues. But the coaches still expected Carter to attend the homecoming game and watch from the sideline. He didn't show.
Carter has a different take on the situation. After news circulated that he was told to leave the team, the defensive back issued a statement saying, "Unfortunately my season has been cut short due to injury. I have decided to enter the transfer portal and I am excited about the opportunities going forward!" This is where Nebraska comes into play.
I’d like to take this opportunity to thank The University of Tennessee Coaches, administrators and fans for a wonderful 2 years. Unfortunately my season has been cut short due to injury. I have decided to enter the transfer portal and I am excited about the opportunities going… pic.twitter.com/VsogqSANHT
— Boo Carter (@boo_Carter6) November 16, 2025
Boo Carter brings Ceyair Wright vibes to Nebraska football recruiting picture
Carter will be one of the highest-rated DBs in the portal. This season, the former ESPN 300 recruit in the Class of 2024 had 25 tackles, three forced fumbles, three passes defended, and one sack as a backup nickelback in eight games this season. He averaged 13.2 yards on 11 punt returns. That followed 38 tackles, an interception, and a sack while amassing 198 punt return yards in his freshman season.
The question of course, is what teams might want to stay away from a player that is being cast as someone who gave up on the team. Nebraska under Matt Rhule has dealt with this kind of situation before in Ceyair Wright last summer. When he came over from USC there were questions about the parting.
All Wright has done since arriving in Lincoln is been a standup teammate and one of the best defenders on the team.
Boo Carter is someone that Nebraska has dealt with before. He was high on the Huskers before eventually picking Tennessee out of high school. Now Matt Rhule and his crew might have another chance to land him.
More importantly, Rhule and his staff seem to know how to get through to players that have a bit of an unpleasant history at their old schools and polish them into stars at Nebraska.