The news that Tennessee Vols football fans were hoping for has just arrived. Earlier in the week, standout running back Star Thomas, who is coming off a big season for Duke in the ACC, took an official visit to Knoxville to meet with the Vols staff.
Josh Heupel and Co. must have sold him on his high potential to make some head-turning plays for UT, as it didn't take long for the speedster to decide he knows where he wants to call home next. Moments ago, Thomas announced on Twitter that he'll indeed be suiting up for Tennessee for his final campaign of college eligibility:
“Rocky Top! Let’s do it” #GBO pic.twitter.com/DadJvSn9f1
— Star Thomas (@Star4Thomas) January 19, 2025
Duke RB transfer Star Thomas has committed to the Tennessee Vols
This past season for Duke, Thomas totaled more than 1,000 yards, with eight touchdowns to his name. He went the JUCO route out of high school before making his way to New Mexico State. He then transferred to Duke, but will be closing his college career out with the Vols.
Thomas provides needed help for Tennessee and Heupel at running back, as Dylan Sampson won't be back in 2025. Instead, Sampson, after posing a historic season with Tennessee in 2024, is going pro and chasing his NFL dreams.
Come next season, Tennessee will be relying on Thomas, Peyton Lewis and DeSean Bishop to lead the way for the ground game to help out star quarterback Nico Iamaleava. Thomas provides needed experience for the RBs room. He's the third known commitment for Tennessee via the portal, joining wideout Amari Jefferson and interior offensive lineman Wendell Moe Jr.