iStockphoto / © Caitie McMekin/News Sentinel / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images
Former Tennessee football player Boo Carter is working to reshape his image following a tumultuous exit from Knoxville. He is doing so at the University of Colorado.
He got his first taste of offseason training with the Buffs this month. A recent workout is going viral showing the battle he faces at his new stop.
The transfer portal is now closed. Many around the sport are getting introduced to life with new teams and coaching staffs. Colorado began winter workout sessions last week in Boulder.
A new addition made immediate waves on social media.
Who is Boo Carter?
The defensive back from the Volunteer State signed with Tennessee as a four-star prospect in the 2024 recruiting class. He was regarded as a Top 150 player nationally and Top 5 player at his position.
Carter made immediate impacts with the Vols. As a freshman, he earned All-SEC honors as both a defender and punt returner.
In Year 1, he totaled 38 tackles, a sack, and an interception. He also returned 12 punts for an average of 16.5 yards a pop.
His production dipped as a sophomore. Off-the-field issues were a contributing factor.
After securing a notable NIL deal in the offseason, it was reported that he was “not plugged in” ahead of the 2025 campaign.
Tennessee paid [Carter] a lot of money to keep him here, and quite frankly, he has not been plugged in this summer… The picture that’s painted is one where he’s missed some workouts, he’s come late to some team stuff, and you have to understand something about Tennessee’s current situation and their current setup… Josh Heupel wants to guard his culture.
-Tennessee insider Tony Basilio
Missed workouts were cited. Transfer rumors were ignited, fueled through online outlets by his mother.
“I can’t wait to mfn Go! Fast!”
-Shareca Carter / Facebook
While there was initially concern that he’d be booted from the team prior to the season opener, Josh Heupel gave him an opportunity to work his way back into the staff’s good graces.
“When we started training camp… there were steps that he had to take to continue to earn his place in the scope of what we’re doing as a football team,” the coach said of his playing status.
“He has taken those steps. He’s continued to grow. I like what he’s been able to do here… [but] it’s still day-to-day.”
Despite the second chance, the character concerns remained. There were even rumors linked to potential gang ties, which his mother refuted.
By November, he was off the team. Reports of a dismissal surfaced though Carter’s camp pointed to an injury in reasoning for the exit.
The defensive back entered the transfer portal, and landed at Colorado with Deion Sanders.
He is looking to rewrite the narrative.
That involves proving his commitment to the Buffs following the drama at Tennessee. He’s gotten his first chance to do so this month.
Strength coach Andreu Swasey upped the intensity in his most recent training session. It was grueling!
“Your heartrate is fixin’ to hit another level. You’re fixin’ to have an out of body experience… You’re gonna find out how much you love CU.”
-Coach Swasey
Boo Carter was one of many players struggling to catch his breath by the end of the workout. Teammates came together to offer words of encouragement
Cole Mathis getting Boo right this offseason. pic.twitter.com/gH3TrGIQDf
— The CU Insider (@givealilmore) January 26, 2026
For Carter, like a number of the 42 incoming transfers that joined Colorado this offseason, the difficulties are not tied to work ethic alone.
He’s dealing with a 4,500-foot increase in elevation. Knoxville is about 900 feet above sea level. Boulder sits at 5,430. There will be an adjustment period.
Given the narratives that have surrounded his college football career to this point, his journey will be more heavily scrutinized. Carter is doing his best write a new script.
Clearly, he has the support of the team and coaching staff moving forward in the path to success. It will be interesting to watch his story play out following the change of scenery.