Not ideal news for Josh Heupel. To start the week on Monday, after plenty of speculation that he was going to stay in Knoxville, Tennessee Vols safety Jakobe Thomas officially entered the transfer portal. Boo Carter hinted he wasn't going anywhere, but that doesn't appear to be the case.
Thomas was expected to push for a starting spot with the Tennessee defense next season, but it now looks like he's got one foot out the door. To make matters worse for Heupel and his coaching staff, Thomas has already set two official visits. Later this week, he's heading south to meet with Miami and Florida State, per 247Sports' Chris Hummer and Matt Zenitz:
Tennessee transfer Jakobe Thomas will visit Miami and Florida State this week
Thomas is a Tennessee product who started his college career with Middle Tennessee State. He then transferred to Knoxville ahead of the 2024 season, spending one campaign with UT. The hope was that he'd be a big difference-maker for Heupel and Tim Banks in '25, but Miami and Florida State are looking to sign him.
The Hurricanes have totally remade their defense this offseason, with new defensive coordinator Corey Hetherman winning over the fanbase. Zaquan Patterson is leaving Miami, which has opened the door for a new safety to come in and push for a starting spot.
That's where Thomas could come in for the Canes, while the Seminoles are also hoping to turn his head. Losing Thomas to either school would be a sizable blow for the Tennessee defense and him leaving town was something Heupel was obviously hoping to avoid.
Sooner than later, decision time will be coming for Thomas. Will he end up spurning both Miami and Florida State for a return to Tennessee? Unfortunately, that doesn't seem likely for the Vols at this point - the staff will probably need to start eyeing potential replacements via the portal.