Tennessee's head coach has strongly criticised the NCAA after star linebacker Arion Carter was suspended for the first two games of the upcoming season under a rule considered outdated by many in college sports. Carter lost his collegiate eligibility after declaring for the NFL draft and signing with a professional agent following the 2025 season, only to have his suspension compounded when he accepted a $427 plane ticket from that agent to attend a training session.

The case has reignited criticism of NCAA eligibility rules, which strip players of amateur status once they engage a professional agent, even if they later decide to return to college football. Commentators, including sports pundit Dan Dakich, have also condemned the NCAA's handling of the matter, calling the suspension disproportionate given the minor value of the plane ticket involved.