Tennessee football linebacker Arion Carter is a finalist for the William V. Campbell Trophy, an award known as the "Academic Heisman" that recognizes combined academic success, football performance and exemplary leadership.
The 18 finalists were announced by the National Football Foundation and College Hall of Fame on Oct. 21. All finalists will receive $18,000 postgraduate scholarships.
The winner will be announced on Dec. 8.
"It's an honor to be a part of this amazing Scholar-Athlete class," Carter said in a release. "I appreciate everyone who has helped me get to this point, especially my family, teammates and coaches. I am excited to represent Tennessee on that stage in December. Thank you to the National Football Foundation for this recognition."
Carter, a two-year captain for the Vols, pledged to donate $427 to cancer research for every tackle he makes this season, referencing his one-game suspension from the NCAA for accepting a $427 flight to an NFL pre-draft training facility. He is also pledging $500 for each sack, $1,000 for each interception or forced fumble and $5,000 for each defensive touchdown he scores. Carter has raised over $19,000 through seven games.
Carter's girlfriend, Mariah Bryant, was diagnosed with stage 2 breast cancer in February. He cut his hair to match her as she undergoes chemotherapy treatments.
"Arion Carter embodies everything that is right about college athletics," coach Josh Heupel said in UT's release. "His character and commitment to this program, his teammates and to others is contagious. He has spent all four years of his career here at Tennessee, which is a rare thing in this era. He turned an unfortunate situation into a positive, and he continues to impact people with his positive actions on and off the field. I am proud to be his coach."
Carter also has participated in a service trip to Brazil, represented Tennessee on the SEC Football Leadership Council and visited patients at Dolly Parton Children's Hospital in Knoxville.
He graduated cum laude from Tennessee in August 2026 with a degree in public health and 3.53 GPA.
Carter is the eighth Tennessee player nominated for the Campbell Trophy since it was first handed out in 1990. Quarterback Peyton Manning won it in 1997 and offensive lineman Michael Munoz won it in 2004.
"The Campbell Trophy represents everything right in college football," NFF Chairman Archie Manning said in a release. "These 18 finalists have competed at an extraordinary level while embracing the demands of the classroom and making a meaningful difference in their communities. They understand that success is about more than what happens on Saturdays, and we are proud to recognize them as examples of the character, discipline and leadership that make college football so special."
Emmett Siegel covers Tennessee baseball for Knox News. Email: emmett.siegel@knoxnews.com; X: @EmmettSiegel_
This article originally appeared on Knoxville News Sentinel: Tennessee football linebacker Arion Carter finalist for 'Academic Heisman'
