Top Running Back Thomas with 1,000 Yards Announces Transfer Interest in SEC

 

With 1,024 combined rushing and receiving yards with the Duke Blue Devils in 2024, running back Star Thomas announced he was entering the transfer portal on December 26. The 6-foot, 210-pound runner is predicted to commit to the Tennessee Volunteers, per On3Sports’ Pete Nakos.

Thomas initially committed to New Mexico State as part of their 2022 recruiting class. He spent two seasons with the Aggies before transferring to the Blue Devils last season.

Over three collegiate seasons, the Homer, Louisiana native has 2,049 rushing yards, 16 rushing touchdowns, 54 receptions, 504 receiving yards and six receiving touchdowns.

Tennessee ranks 46th in On3Sports team transfer portal rankings and only has two incoming transfers. The reason for that is a large 2025 recruiting class and scholarship restrictions still in effect from former head coach Jeremy Pruitt’s recruiting scandal, resulting in 28 lost scholarships over five seasons.

Tennessee has 26 recruits joining the program via their 2025 10th-ranked class, including one five-star player. OT David Sanders Jr. is the No. 6 overall player per On3Sports and chose the Volunteers over Ohio State, Georgia and others.

The Volunteers’ two incoming transfers are IOL Wendell Moe (Arizona) and WR Amari Jefferson (Alabama).

Two of the 15 players exiting the program via the transfer portal are running backs, creating room on Thomas’s depth chart. Cameron Seldon (Virginia Tech) and Khalifa Keith (Appalachian State) left Tennessee at the end of December.