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, according to On3’s Pete Nakos. This marks the third consecutive day he has carried that designation.

The junior linebacker continues to battle turf toe, an injury that kept him out of the Vols’ 56-34 victory over the Kentucky Wildcats last weekend. Although Carter traveled with the team to Lexington, he did not suit up for the game.

Standing 6-foot-1 and weighing 235 pounds, the Smyrna native has been the backbone of Tennessee’s defense this season. He leads the 14th-ranked Volunteers (6-2, 3-2 SEC) with 61 total tackles. Through seven starts, Carter has also recorded 2.5 tackles for loss, one sack, a forced fumble, a fumble recovery, and two pass breakups.

Carter’s absence was definitely felt against Kentucky, but redshirt freshman Edwin Spillman stepped up with a strong performance, finishing with a game-high 15 tackles—more than double any other player on the field. In that game, Tennessee adjusted its defensive alignment, 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 on that young core once again. Perlotte has seen increased snaps over the past three SEC games. Additionally, second-year linebacker Jordan Burns and freshman Jaedon Harmon could rotate in. Another potential option is Ben Bolton, who missed the Kentucky game due to injury but was notably absent from this week’s injury report, hinting at a possible return.

Tennessee’s current 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 for the Oklahoma game.

Carter’s final status will be officially confirmed 90 minutes before kickoff.

Saturday’s matchup carries major playoff implications, with both teams holding 6-2 records and battling to stay in contention. This will be the second straight meeting between Josh Heupel’s Volunteers and his alma mater, Oklahoma, following Tennessee’s 25-15 win in Norman last year.

Kickoff is set for 7:30 p.m. ET at Neyland Stadium.
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