Tennessee has secured a key playmaker from the NCAA Transfer Portal. Former Duke running back Star Thomas has committed to the Volunteers, according to On3’s Hayes Fawcett.
Thomas, who was Duke’s leading running back in 2024, is now set to join Tennessee’s program.
In the past season, Star Thomas played in 12 games for the Blue Devils, recording 213 carries for 871 yards and seven touchdowns. Additionally, he made 20 receptions for 153 yards and one touchdown.
Thomas will help fill the void left by Tennessee running back Dylan Sampson, who is entering the NFL Draft.
Thomas started his collegiate football journey at Coffeyville Community College. He later transferred to New Mexico State, where he spent several seasons before joining Duke for the 2024 season.
Thomas is among many players nationwide benefiting from the NCAA’s decision to grant a waiver in response to the Diego Pavia court case. This waiver provides an additional year of eligibility to those who previously played junior college football while the case remains unresolved.
The Louisiana native delivered standout performances during his time with the New Mexico State Aggies, accumulating 1,173 rushing yards and nine touchdowns over two seasons. In 2023, Thomas earned second-team All-Conference USA honors after rushing for 653 yards on 112 carries, averaging an impressive 5.8 yards per attempt and scoring four touchdowns.
Thomas attended Homer High School in Homer, Louisiana, before starting his collegiate journey.
He spent a year at Coffeyville Community College, where he made an impact by surpassing 100 rushing yards in two games and helping the team secure the 2021 KJCCC Conference Championship. After his successful season, he transferred to New Mexico State to continue his football career.
