RESOLVING THE LEDGER
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See the full story · 1 sourcesTennessee will kick off its 2026 football season with 11 linebackers on roster.
Senior Arion Carter returns for his fourth season. He will miss two games due to a NCAA violation suspension for a $427.48 flight, which he repaid, during the NFL pre-draft process.
"Arion Carter represents everything that is right about college athletics, dedicating all four years of his career to the University of Tennessee," Tennessee head coach Josh Heupel said . "His high character, loyalty and leadership within our program are unmatched. Last December, Arion declared for the 2026 NFL Draft. He signed with an agent and accepted a $427.48 flight to begin the pre-draft process. He withdrew from the NFL Draft prior to the deadline due to a medical procedure and decided in his best interest to return to Tennessee for his senior season. Last January in good faith, he disengaged from the agent in terms of the NFL and paid back the flight in full.
"We disagree with the NCAA’s ruling on punishing Arion with a multi-game suspension this fall. Arion made the right decision for his future health and well-being. He will proudly graduate from Tennessee in public health with Dean’s List honors in August. Our team stands behind AC and his family, and we can’t wait to be on the field with him during training camp next week."
The 6-foot-1, 238-pound linebacker appeared in 23 games, including 13 starts, for the Vols from 2023-25. He has totaled 161 tackles, 13.5 tackles for a loss, 1.5 sacks, one interception, 10 pass deflections, one forced fumble and one fumble recovery.
More: Jim Knowles' defenses by the numbers at Ohio State, Penn State
Senior Jeremiah Telander enters his fourth season at Tennessee in 2026. The 6-foot-2, 235-pound linebacker has totaled 158 tackles, 12 tackles for a loss, 1.5 sacks, one interception, three pass deflections and three fumble recoveries in 39 games (21 starts) from 2023-25.
2026 will mark sophomore Jadon Perlotte's second season with the Vols. The 6-foot-4, 214-pound linebacker appeared in 13 games, including two starts, as a freshman last season. He recorded 19 tackles, two tackles for a loss, 0.5 sacks and two fumble recoveries.
Redshirt sophomore Edwin Spillman returns for his third season at Tennessee. In 17 games (six starts) from 2024-25, he has recorded 87 tackles, 3.5 tackles for a loss, 2.5 sacks, one interception and three pass deflections. The 6-foot-1, 225-pound linebacker was named to the 2025 SEC All-Freshman Team.
More: Jim Knowles discusses why his defense will complement Vols' offense
Tennessee has one transfer addition for its linebacker unit this season.
Amare Campbell transferred to the Vols from Penn State . The 6-foot, 230-pound senior played one season for the Nittany Lions. In 13 games (13 starts) in 2025, he totaled 103 tackles, 9.5 tackles for a loss, three sacks, one fumble recovery, one pass breakup, one pass deflection and one touchdown.
Campbell transferred to Penn State after playing two seasons at North Carolina from 2023-24. He appeared in 24 games, including 14 starts, for the Tar Heels.
More: Jim Knowles details how quickly he can install defensive system
2026 Tennessee football linebackers on roster
Number Name Class Height Weight 0 Amare Campbell Sr. 6' 0'' 230 7 Arion Carter Sr. 6' 1'' 238 11 Jordan Burns R-So. 6' 1'' 227 12 Jaedon Harmon So. 6' 0'' 225 13 Edwin Spillman R-So. 6' 1'' 225 22 Jeremiah Telander Sr. 6' 2'' 235 27 Jadon Perlotte So. 6' 4'' 214 28 Brayden Rouse Fr. 6' 3'' 225 50 Ryan Scott R-So. 6' 1'' 220 51 TJ White Fr. 6' 2'' 237 57 Grier Short R-So. 6' 1'' 222
More: 2026 Tennessee football position preview: Offensive line
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This article originally appeared on Vols Wire: 2026 Tennessee football position preview: Linebackers
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