Tennessee football removes Star Thomas, a running back for Duke, from the transfer site.

Tennessee Football Removes Star Thomas, a Running Back for Duke, from the Transfer Portal: A Key Move for the Volunteers

In a dramatic twist during the 2025 college football offseason, the Tennessee Volunteers football team made a significant move in their pursuit of roster improvement by pulling Star Thomas, a highly coveted running back from Duke, off the transfer portal. This decision was met with surprise and intrigue, particularly given Thomas’s impressive performance during his time at Duke and the buzz surrounding his potential to make an immediate impact for Tennessee’s offense.

The removal of Thomas from the transfer portal could signal a few different things for both the running back’s career and the future of Tennessee football. For Duke, it’s a bittersweet moment, as they now face the loss of a key player who had become one of their most explosive weapons in the backfield. For Tennessee, this represents an exciting opportunity to bring in a dynamic player who could help bolster their offensive attack in the Southeastern Conference (SEC), one of the most competitive conferences in college football.

This move has major implications for the landscape of the Tennessee football program, both in the short and long term. What does this mean for Tennessee’s offensive strategy and their future goals in the SEC? How does it impact their recruiting and overall team dynamics heading into the next season?

The Transfer Portal: A Modern Era of College Football Recruiting

The college football transfer portal has become an essential tool for teams looking to bolster their rosters in the offseason. Once a player enters the portal, they are free to explore opportunities at other schools and may choose to transfer if a better opportunity presents itself. The portal has revolutionized the way that coaches recruit and build their teams, with players now having the freedom to move between schools for a variety of reasons, ranging from playing time to better program fit.

In this context, the transfer portal has given rise to significant changes in roster construction across the country. Programs like Tennessee, with high aspirations in the SEC, actively scout for players who can immediately contribute and improve their chances of competing with the powerhouses of college football.

Star Thomas’s decision to enter the portal and then be removed by Tennessee raises some important questions. Why would Tennessee pursue a player like Thomas, who had already made a name for himself at Duke? What does his addition to the Volunteers’ backfield mean for the team’s future offensive plans? And what does this move indicate about Tennessee’s standing in the competitive landscape of college football?

The Rise of Star Thomas at Duke

Before entering the transfer portal, Star Thomas had established himself as a standout running back for the Duke Blue Devils. His performances on the field earned him widespread recognition, particularly during his sophomore season, where he posted impressive rushing yards, touchdowns, and game-changing plays.

Thomas’s blend of size, speed, and agility made him a dynamic force in the ACC. His ability to break tackles, accelerate through defenses, and make plays in critical moments stood out to both his coaches and opponents. During his tenure at Duke, Thomas became a key piece of the Blue Devils’ offense, frequently putting the team on his back and leading them to crucial victories. The potential he demonstrated made him one of the more intriguing players in the portal when he decided to test the waters and explore his options.

As a running back in a competitive power conference, Thomas had the ability to change the dynamic of any offense. With his vision and ability to find holes in the defense, he was seen as a potential game-changer who could step into a new program and make an immediate impact. His decision to enter the transfer portal naturally caught the attention of many high-profile programs, including Tennessee.

Tennessee’s Pursuit of Star Thomas

The Tennessee Volunteers, coming off a successful 2024 season, were looking to improve their roster with key acquisitions in the transfer portal. With the Volunteers looking to build on their recent success and make a deeper run in the SEC, adding a talent like Thomas to their backfield seemed like a perfect opportunity. The Volunteers had an already strong offensive line and a solid quarterback but lacked a consistent, high-impact running back who could shoulder the load and contribute in multiple facets of the game.

For head coach Josh Heupel and the Tennessee coaching staff, bringing in a proven talent like Star Thomas would provide a much-needed boost. Tennessee’s offense had been potent in the passing game, but the running game lacked the same level of consistency. By adding a player like Thomas, who had already demonstrated the ability to perform at a high level in a Power Five conference, the Volunteers could potentially balance out their attack and keep defenses guessing. The move would also allow them to have a more dynamic and versatile offense capable of adapting to different game situations.

Moreover, Thomas’s playmaking ability could complement the passing game, making Tennessee’s offense even more dangerous. A dynamic running back opens up opportunities for play-action passes, screen plays, and more diverse offensive schemes that would make it harder for opponents to predict and defend against. With the addition of Thomas, Tennessee could improve both its ground game and overall offensive output.

Why Did Star Thomas Choose Tennessee?

Given his success at Duke and the attention he received from several top programs, Thomas’s decision to ultimately commit to Tennessee over other schools was significant. There are several reasons why this could be seen as a strong fit for both Thomas and the Volunteers.

1. Championship Aspirations:

Tennessee is a program with high expectations, especially after the team’s success in recent seasons under Josh Heupel. The Volunteers are on the rise and looking to challenge for an SEC title and potentially a spot in the College Football Playoff. For a player like Thomas, this represents an opportunity to compete at the highest level, and possibly win championships, something that he may not have had the chance to do consistently at Duke.

2. Offensive System Fit:

Tennessee’s offensive system, under Heupel’s guidance, is one that focuses on fast-paced, high-scoring plays. The team has been known for its dynamic passing game, but with a talented running back like Thomas, they would have the ability to balance the offense and attack in multiple ways. Thomas’s skill set fits this system perfectly—he is capable of being the centerpiece of the offense while also contributing in the passing game out of the backfield. He would have the chance to shine in an up-tempo offense that puts a premium on big plays and explosive scoring drives.

3. SEC Exposure and NFL Aspirations:

The SEC is known for producing some of the best talent in college football, especially at the running back position. For Thomas, moving to Tennessee would give him an opportunity to showcase his skills on the biggest stage. Playing in the SEC provides the exposure needed for players to make a case for the NFL draft, and Thomas is no doubt aiming to take his game to the professional level. Tennessee offers him the chance to compete in a conference that consistently produces top-tier NFL talent, making this move a wise one for his long-term career prospects.

4. Coaching and Development:

Tennessee’s coaching staff, particularly in the offensive ranks, has earned a reputation for developing players and maximizing their potential. Heupel’s offensive mind has already been demonstrated with the development of Tennessee’s quarterback and wide receivers, and the addition of Thomas to the program could mean further opportunities for development. Having the right coaching staff behind him can help Thomas refine his skills and make him a more complete running back, which would serve him well if he hopes to make it to the NFL.

The Impact of Thomas’s Removal from the Portal

When Thomas was removed from the transfer portal, it solidified his commitment to Tennessee and confirmed that the Volunteers had made a significant addition to their roster. The news was met with excitement among Tennessee fans, who immediately recognized the potential this move had for their offense. However, it also signals a larger trend in college football, where the transfer portal can make or break a team’s season. Players like Thomas hold immense value, and their decisions can drastically alter the fortunes of their respective programs.

For Tennessee, the move was an important step in building a more complete team. With an explosive running back like Thomas in the fold, the Volunteers now have a more balanced attack that can exploit any defense they face. This, combined with their already potent passing game, sets them up for success in the highly competitive SEC.

For Thomas, the decision to join Tennessee represents a fresh start with a program that is on the rise. The chance to play in the SEC, showcase his abilities, and potentially help lead Tennessee to a championship will be a motivating factor as he begins his new chapter in Knoxville.