In an exhilarating start to the college football season, former Tennessee defensive back Boo Carter made a significant impact in his debut for the Colorado Buffaloes. On September 3, 2026, Carter blocked a crucial 45-yard field goal attempt as time expired, sealing a narrow 14-13 victory over the Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets in Atlanta.
The game was tightly contested, with Georgia Tech (0-1) having a chance to snatch victory in the final moments. Kicker Aidan Birr lined up for the potential game-winning field goal, which would have provided the Yellow Jackets with much-needed momentum heading into their Week 2 matchup against Tennessee. However, Carter, showcasing his speed and agility, charged around the left edge to thwart the kick, immediately celebrating by tossing his helmet into the air.
In addition to his game-winning block, Carter contributed to Colorado's defense with two tackles, including one solo effort, and recorded a fumble recovery. This performance not only highlighted his skills but also underscored the impact he can have under head coach Deion Sanders, as the Buffaloes improved to 1-0 for the season.
Carter's journey to Colorado has been a tumultuous one. After spending two seasons at Tennessee, he faced dismissal from the team for missing several offseason activities and skipping a homecoming game in 2025. Coach Josh Heupel stated that Carter's absence was due to a failure to meet team standards. Following this, Carter announced his intention to enter the transfer portal, citing an injury as part of his decision.
Prior to his departure from Tennessee, Carter had made a name for himself as a promising player. He was the 2023 Class 6A Mr. Football at Bradley Central in Chattanooga and had played nine games as a backup nickelback and primary punt returner for the Vols in 2025. During that season, he recorded 25 tackles, including 4.5 for loss, and forced three fumbles, showcasing his defensive prowess.
As a freshman in 2024, Carter started the latter half of the season at nickelback and led the Southeastern Conference (SEC) with an impressive 16.5-yard average on punt returns, earning him SEC All-Freshman honors. His talent was recognized by recruiting services, and he was rated as a four-star transfer by 247Sports before committing to Colorado in January.
In the matchup against Colorado, Georgia Tech's quarterback Alberto Mendoza, who transferred from Indiana, made his debut for the Yellow Jackets. Mendoza, the younger brother of 2025 Heisman Trophy winner Fernando Mendoza, completed 17 of 23 passes for 237 yards. Despite showing promise, he sustained an ankle injury late in the first half but returned to lead a near game-winning drive that ultimately fell short due to Carter's heroics.
The Yellow Jackets struggled offensively throughout the game, managing only one touchdown, which came on a kick return. Their rushing attack was ineffective, totaling just 51 yards, with Justice Haynes leading the team with 64 rushing yards. As Georgia Tech prepares to face Tennessee in their upcoming game, they will need to improve their offensive performance significantly, with Mendoza's play being crucial to their success.
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