Vols Redshirt Junior Ben Bolton Exits Program Ahead of Spring Ball

Image: Tennessee Athletics

By Aidan Sidoti

KNOXVILLE — Tennessee redshirt junior linebacker Ben Bolton has left the program and will not return for his senior season, according to a report from VolQuest’s Brent Hubbs. 

Bolton, who entered the offseason as a reserve contributor, stepped away from the team in February.

VolQuest also reports that Bolton remains enrolled at the university but has chosen to move on from football. The Memphis native arrived in Knoxville as a walk‑on from Lausanne Collegiate School and was able to hold a steady role on special teams and as a depth linebacker. Over four seasons, Bolton appeared in 39 career games and recorded 28 total tackles, mostly serving time on punt and kick return.

While Bolton’s departure means the loss of an experienced veteran, it is not expected to significantly impact Tennessee’s linebacker room heading into the 2026 season. The Vols return one of the deepest units on the roster, highlighted by All‑SEC Second Team selection Arion Carter, along with Jeremiah Telander, Edwin Spillman, and Jaedon Harmon, who all played meaningful snaps last fall.