Tennessee’s Star Linebacker Faces Turf Toe Thriller Ahead of Crucial Week 10 Showdown with Oklahoma

Is there anything more nail-biting in college football than a game-time decision stretched over three gut-wrenching days? Tennessee Volunteers’ defensive lynchpin, Arion Carter, finds himself in that very limbo heading into Saturday night’s showdown with the Oklahoma Sooners at Neyland Stadium. Turf toe—a seemingly minor injury, yet one that’s proving a formidable foe for the 6-foot-1, 235-pound linebacker who’s been the Volunteers’ defensive heart and soul this season. His 61 tackles and knack for clutch plays haven’t just helped Tennessee climb to 14th in the rankings; they’re a rallying cry for this team. But when Carter’s been sidelined, fresh faces like Edwin Spillman have surged, making this defensive puzzle even more intriguing—all while the stakes couldn’t be higher with playoff hopes hanging in the balance. Will Tennessee’s young guns hold the line if Carter can’t suit up? Only Saturday night will tell—and that uncertainty might just be the fire this team needs. LEARN MORE

Tennessee Volunteers defensive leader Arion Carter remains questionable and is considered a game-time decision for Saturday night’s nationally ranked Week 10 contest against the Oklahoma Sooners at Neyland Stadium, per On3’s Pete Nakos. It’s the third consecutive day he has carried that designation.

The junior linebacker continues to battle turf toe, an injury that prevented him from playing during the Vols’ 56–34 victory over the Kentucky Wildcats last weekend. He traveled with the team to Lexington but did not suit up.

The 6-foot-1, 235-pound Smyrna native has been the backbone of Tennessee’s defense this season, leading the 14th-ranked Volunteers (6–2, 3–2 SEC) with 61 total tackles. Carter has also registered 2.5 tackles for loss, one sack, a forced fumble, a fumble recovery, and two pass breakups through seven starts.

Carter’s absence was felt against Kentucky, though redshirt freshman Edwin Spillman stepped up in his place with a strong performance, finishing with a game-high 15 tackles, more than double any other player on the field.

Tennessee adjusted its defensive alignment for that particular game, opening in a 4–3 set instead of its typical 4–2 nickel package. Spillman, along with Jeremiah Telander and freshman Jadon Perlotte, formed the starting linebacker trio in Carter’s absence.

If Carter remains unavailable for Saturday’s matchup, defensive coordinator Tim Banks will likely rely again on that young core. Perlotte has seen an uptick in snaps over the past three SEC games, while second-year linebacker Jordan Burns and freshman Jaedon Harmon could also rotate in.

Another option is Ben Bolton, who also missed the Kentucky game due to injury but was notably absent from this week’s report, hinting at a potential return.

Tennessee’s injury list also includes cornerbacks Jermod McCoy (torn ACL) and Rickey Gibson III (upper body), along with freshman wide receiver Travis Smith (foot), all ruled out. Carter’s final status will be confirmed officially 90 minutes before kickoff.

Saturday’s matchup has major playoff implications, with both teams at 6–2 and fighting to stay in contention. It’s the second straight meeting between Josh Heupel’s Vols and his alma mater, Oklahoma, after Tennessee’s 25–15 win in Norman last year. Kickoff is set for 7:30 p.m. ET.

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