Ethan “The Comet” Carter Shocks Nation, Chooses Tennessee Over $6.7M Offer
KNOXVILLE, TN – In a jaw-dropping twist that sent shockwaves through the college football world, five-star wide receiver Ethan “The Comet” Carter announced Wednesday evening that he is committing to the University of Tennessee Volunteers—turning down a reported $6.7 million Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) deal from West Virginia University.
Carter, the No. 2 wide receiver in the nation according to 247Sports, had long been considered a lock for one of the nation’s top programs. However, the reported NIL offer from West Virginia stunned many analysts and fans, instantly catapulting the Mountaineers into the spotlight. Despite the eye-popping figure, Carter made it clear that his decision was about more than money.
“I’ve dreamed of playing in front of 100,000 in Neyland Stadium since I was a kid,” Carter said during his televised announcement. “Tennessee felt like home the moment I stepped on campus. Coach Heupel’s vision, the culture, and the fanbase—it all just clicked.”
Carter’s commitment is a massive win for Tennessee’s 2025 recruiting class, already ranked among the top ten nationally. Known for his blazing speed and acrobatic catches, the 6’2”, 190-pound receiver is expected to make an immediate impact in Knoxville.
College football insiders are calling the move a major shift in the NIL era—proof that not every recruit can be swayed by financial incentives alone. For Tennessee, Carter’s decision signals that the Volunteers are not only a competitive program but also a destination of choice for elite talent with a long-term vision.
With “The Comet” now set to soar in orange and white, the hype in Knoxville is reaching new heights. Vol Nation, it seems, just landed its brightest star.
