After producing 1,000-yard rushers each of the past two seasons, the Tennessee Volunteers hope they have found their next “Star” at running back.
Star Thomas, who rushed for 871 yards this past year in helping lead Duke to a 9-3 record and a berth in the Gator Bowl, announced Sunday that he would be playing his last college season in Knoxville. The 6-foot, 210-pounder from Homer, Louisiana, visited Tennessee on Friday and revealed his decision on social media.
“Rocky Top! Let’s do it,” Thomas wrote.
The Vols have obtained only three players through the NCAA transfer portal since their 2024 season ended with a first-round loss at Ohio State in the College Football Playoff, with Thomas joining former Arizona offensive guard Wendell Moe and former Alabama receiver Amari Jefferson, the former Baylor School standout.
Thomas will be a “super senior” for the Vols, meaning that this will be his sixth college season. He spent the 2020-21 seasons at Coffeyville (Kansas) Community College before transferring to New Mexico State, where he rushed 107 times for 518 yards (4.8 yards per carry) in 2022 and carried 112 times for 653 yards (5.8) in 2023.