While many programs across the nation are preparing for bowl season, the offseason has already begun at some schools, with players already mentioning their intentions to enter the transfer portal. The news doesn't stop for Tennessee, as a once former blue-chip tailback is now in the portal once again.
Former running back Justin Williams-Thomas is one of them, as the former Tennessee Volunteer is planning on entering the transfer portal and playing for his fourth different school in five years.
Williams-Thomas was a member of the 2022 class and was rated a 4-star by the 247Sports composite. The Dallas, Georgia, product had plenty of high-level suitors after him out of high school, and his signature was thought to be a big get for Tennessee football. Tennessee beat out Auburn, Nebraska, Louisville, and West Virginia for his pledge.
Thank You Marshall... pic.twitter.com/EagK74USvw
— JUSTIN WILLIAMS-THOMAS AKA "J-WILL" (@akajwill) December 7, 2025
Former Tennessee RB Justin Williams-Thomas enetrs the transfer portal again
Many fans had high hopes for blue-chip tailback, but Williams-Thomas only spent one year in Knoxville, where he racked up just 11 carries for 37 yards. In 2023, he decided to move on from Knoxville and eventually found his way to Cal. During his two seasons at Cal, Williams-Thomas played in seven games and had 21 carries for 91 yards. After his stint as a Golden Bear, Williams-Thomas entered the transfer portal again and joined Marshall.
In nine games this past year at Marshall, Williams Thomas had 35 carries for 197 yards and two touchdowns, but he has once again decided to go portaling. Williams-Thomas has plenty of experience and should be a nice compliment to any backfield he goes to.
It's hard to ignore that Williams-Thomas will bring plenty of veteran experience to his next stop. Plus, he has two years of eligibility left, so he should land at a solid program.
There is no question that this just shows how different this era of college football is compared to years past. The players now have free rein to enter the portal as often as they like. Josh Heupel and co. will be active this January, trying to fill in the holes on this roster.