For the third time this spring, we've learned of a safety deciding he's going to leave the Tennessee Volunteers football program and play elsewhere. This time around, it's Jakobe Thomas who has decided he won't be taking the field for Josh Heupel in 2025.
This one comes in as a bit of a surprise, as the expectation was that the veteran safety would be able to push for a starting job once fall camp arrives. However, the breaking news just came in that Thomas, who has one year of eligibility remaining, has decided to enter the portal:
Tennessee safety Jakobe Thomas is entering the NCAA transfer portal, per @EugeneTLee of @3strandsports. Thomas played last season at Tennessee and has one year of eligibility remaining. He started his career at Middle Tennessee State. pic.twitter.com/V4ElDrNwvp
— Pete Thamel (@PeteThamel) April 24, 2025
Tennessee safety Jakobe Thomas has decided to enter the transfer portal
Previously, safeties John Slaughter and Christian Charles had entered the portal, but now we can add Thomas to the list. This really does feel like it has come in from out of nowhere. Even if he didn't win a starting spot in '25, the expectation was that Thomas would see plenty of action for the Vols this fall.
Last season, the 6-2, 190-pounder appeared in all 13 games for Tennessee, posting 22 total tackles, two pass deflections and one sack. Thomas arrived in Knoxville prior to the 2024 campaign after spending the first three years of his career at Middle Tennessee State.
He was a standout at MTSU, which opened the door for him to transfer last offseason and play for Tennessee. It was a year to remember for him, as the Vols won 10 games and reached the College Football Playoff for the first time in program history.
A lot has changed since last season ended, of course highlighted by Nico Iamaleava leaving for UCLA, while Joey Aguilar is expected to be QB1 for Heupel this fall. Losing Thomas like this is no question a setback. Look for Heupel to target some safety help in the portal now too.