Perhaps all Boo Carter needed was a change of scenery.
When the Colorado cornerback’s tumultuous time at Tennessee came to an abrupt end in November, his baggage appeared to be the only thing that outweighed his immense talent. Carter’s former Tennessee teammates reportedly didn’t even want Carter back with the team ahead of the 2025 season before he went on to play in eight games for the Vols.
Now at Colorado, Boo Carter’s new teammates have seen a different version of him.
“He’s changed, man, he really has,” Colorado senior safety Ben Finneseth said of Boo Carter. “Since he got to Colorado, the way he’s bought in and surrounded himself with teammates, he’s been a real players’ guy.
“I’m really proud of Boo and the way he’s come along. He’s a blessing to have around.”
When Deion Sanders hosted a group of team leaders — including Boo Carter — for a retreat at his Texas ranch this offseason, Finneseth got to know the Tennessee transfer on a deeper level.
They spent time together riding four-wheelers, fishing and finding common ground. It helped Finneseth realize that Boo Carter isn’t who he was made out to be.
“Boo is a baller,” Ben Finneseth said. “He’s just a misunderstood guy. After some spending some time down at Coach Prime’s ranch in Texas, I taught Boo how to fish. We spent a lot of time together down there and I really got to know him.
“Boo is a good dude and I love him to life.”
Coach Prime has been glowing in his remarks about Boo Carter since the talented defensive back arrived in Boulder, calling him “arguably the best athlete on the team.” But it’s not just about what the 5-foot-11, 200-pounder has displayed on the field.
Boo Carter has come a long from a mentality standpoint, according to Coach Prime, and it’s partly due to real trust in the Buffs’ coaching staff.
“I really wish you could understand the mentality and the heart of Boo Carter from when he came to where he is now,” Deion Sanders said. “I wish you could understand some of these young men who were closed off and have their windows up to now showing love and expressing love because they trust the coaches that they have their best interest at heart.”
Boo Carter played at nickel/slot corner at Tennessee and when he first got to Colorado this offseason, but he is now playing — and thriving — exclusively at outside cornerback now. Coach Prime made that decision so that Carter’s “draft wealth accelerates.”
Carter was undeniably one of Tennessee’s most talented players as a true sophomore, earning 2025 preseason All-SEC honors. He had three forced fumbles, three PBUs and a sack in eight games last season just a year after he made the SEC All-Freshman team and led the conference with a 16.5-yard punt-return average.
Carter will have the opportunity to return punts for the Buffs this year while also starting at cornerback opposite of Notre Dame transfer Cree Thomas. And don’t be surprised if Carter impacts the game via special teams in ways other than returning punts.
Either way, swapping the Smoky Mountains for the Rocky Mountains might be best decision Boo Carter ever made. If he has the the type of season he appears to be on the verge of having, he’ll be Coach Prime’s first NFL draft pick since 2024.
“That kid right there is going to be a first-rounder either this year or next year, whichever one he chooses,” Deion Sanders told Phillip Dukes. “I want to keep him, he knows that and I love him to life. I love him for who he is and who he’s trying to become.
“That’s what I love about him. He’s trying.”
