Tennessee Football Signs Duke Running Back Star Thomas from Transfer Portal

The Tennessee Volunteers’ football program has made another significant move in the transfer portal by securing a commitment from Duke running back Star Thomas. The addition of Thomas adds depth, talent, and explosiveness to a Tennessee offense that is looking to reload after several key departures. With the Vols continuing to strengthen their roster heading into the 2025 season, Thomas’ acquisition is yet another example of the power and potential of the transfer portal in reshaping college football rosters.

The Transfer Portal and Tennessee’s Aggressive Recruiting Strategy

The transfer portal has become an essential tool for college football programs to address immediate roster needs, whether it’s bolstering a position group, finding depth, or adding high-caliber talent. For Tennessee, the transfer portal has played an increasingly prominent role in their roster-building strategy under head coach Josh Heupel. Since taking over as head coach, Heupel has worked tirelessly to bring in both high school talent and experienced players from other programs to build a competitive roster.

The signing of Star Thomas from Duke is a continuation of this philosophy, and it speaks to Tennessee’s commitment to staying competitive in the ever-changing landscape of college football. By bolstering the running back position, the Vols are adding a player who can contribute immediately and has the potential to be a game-changer.

The Player: Star Thomas

Star Thomas, a talented running back who spent his previous seasons at Duke University, brings impressive athleticism and vision to the field. Standing at 5’11” and weighing in at around 210 pounds, Thomas possesses a combination of size, speed, and agility that makes him a formidable force in the backfield.

During his time at Duke, Thomas showed flashes of brilliance, racking up impressive statistics despite the Blue Devils’ struggles in recent years. In the 2023 season, Thomas rushed for 500 yards and 6 touchdowns, averaging 4.7 yards per carry. These numbers are significant considering the inconsistent nature of Duke’s offense during that period. Thomas’ ability to create big plays and gain significant yardage even in difficult situations will serve him well at Tennessee, where the offense is predicated on fast-paced, explosive plays.

One of Thomas’ standout attributes is his vision and ability to read the field. He’s adept at finding gaps in the defense, making quick decisions, and hitting holes with precision. He also has the ability to break tackles and gain extra yardage after contact, a trait that is often seen in top-tier running backs.

Another key asset of Thomas is his versatility. While he is primarily a running back, he has demonstrated the ability to catch passes out of the backfield. This will make him a valuable weapon in Tennessee’s high-flying offense, which often utilizes running backs in the passing game. His skills as a receiving back allow him to stretch the defense in multiple ways, forcing defensive coordinators to account for him both as a runner and a pass-catcher.

How Thomas Fits Into Tennessee’s Offense

Tennessee’s offensive system under Josh Heupel is predicated on speed, tempo, and explosive plays. The Volunteers are known for their up-tempo offense that forces defenses to defend every inch of the field. Heupel’s offense often operates with multiple wide receivers, using the passing game to stretch defenses horizontally, while also establishing a strong running game that keeps defenses honest.

Star Thomas’ skill set aligns well with Heupel’s system. His ability to hit the edge and stretch the field, combined with his explosive burst and vision, makes him an ideal candidate to thrive in Tennessee’s fast-paced offense. Thomas is capable of turning short runs into big plays, and his ability to catch passes out of the backfield adds a new dimension to the Vols’ attack. In a system that values versatility and speed, Thomas’ multi-dimensional abilities are a perfect fit.

The addition of Thomas gives Tennessee more flexibility in their running back rotation. With Heupel known for rotating running backs to keep players fresh and exploit mismatches, Thomas will likely see significant playing time in a variety of roles. Whether it’s as a traditional ball-carrier, a receiving back, or even lining up in the slot, Thomas’ versatility will allow the Vols to maximize his impact on the field.

Furthermore, Tennessee’s offensive line has consistently improved under Heupel, and the development of a more physical front will allow Thomas to take advantage of his vision and ability to break tackles. As the offensive line continues to evolve, the running back group, including Thomas, will benefit from better blocking and more opportunities to make plays.

A Much-Needed Boost to the Running Back Room

The running back position has long been a crucial element of Tennessee football, and the Vols have experienced both highs and lows in the backfield in recent seasons. With the departure of key players, the running back room needed an influx of talent, and Star Thomas is poised to provide that boost.

While Tennessee boasts talented running backs like Dylan Sampson and Jabari Small, adding a proven performer like Thomas enhances the depth of the position. The competition for playing time will likely be fierce, but it will only make the unit stronger. Tennessee’s running back depth is one of the most important factors in maintaining an explosive offense, and Thomas will push his fellow running backs to elevate their game.

Additionally, the addition of Thomas could ease some of the pressure on Tennessee’s quarterbacks, particularly in the run game. The running back position is often the catalyst for success in Heupel’s offense, and with a versatile and dynamic backfield that includes Thomas, the Vols can be even more unpredictable and difficult to defend.

The Bigger Picture: Tennessee’s Path Forward

The acquisition of Star Thomas from the transfer portal is part of a broader effort by Tennessee to continue building a championship-caliber program. Under Josh Heupel, the Volunteers have made significant strides in both recruiting and player development. The program has seen improvements on both sides of the ball, and adding experienced players like Thomas helps elevate Tennessee’s chances of competing at a high level in the SEC.

The SEC is one of the most competitive conferences in college football, and Tennessee faces tough competition from programs like Georgia, Alabama, LSU, and others. However, with a balanced offensive attack, including a running back like Star Thomas, the Vols have the potential to challenge for SEC titles and beyond.

The addition of Thomas also signals to recruits and the college football world that Tennessee is committed to bringing in top-tier talent. The Vols’ success in the transfer portal has raised their profile and made them a more attractive destination for players looking to compete at the highest level.

As Tennessee continues to position itself as a contender in the SEC, the acquisition of Star Thomas is just the latest step in the program’s upward trajectory. With a mix of dynamic young talent and experienced transfer portal additions, the Vols are poised for continued success under Josh Heupel’s leadership.