Jakobe Thomas entering the transfer portal leaves a gap in Tennessee’s secondary. His departure impacts depth, requiring younger players or new recruits to step up.

Jakobe Thomas transferred to Tennessee from Middle Tennessee State University (MTSU) prior to the 2024 season. He was expected to bolster the Volunteers’ defensive backfield and contribute immediately. Thomas was a highly regarded prospect coming out of MTSU, where he had shown considerable promise in his two seasons there. During his time at MTSU, he showcased his ability to cover ground quickly, make key tackles, and read plays effectively—traits that made him a valuable addition to Tennessee’s defense.

In 2024, Thomas started to make a noticeable impact. Though not a starter at the very beginning of the season, he gradually earned a role in the rotation. By the end of the season, he had accumulated 15 tackles and one pass breakup. His performance wasn’t flashy, but it was solid enough to make him a key contributor on special teams and in situational defensive packages. His versatility allowed him to fit into different positions within Tennessee’s defensive schemes, making him a reliable option for the coaching staff.

However, as with many college football players, the transition from a Group of Five school like MTSU to a Power Five program like Tennessee isn’t always smooth. The higher level of competition, combined with shifting depth charts and team dynamics, can lead players to reassess their situations. In this case, Jakobe Thomas has decided that it is time for him to explore other opportunities, making his entry into the transfer portal a significant moment in Tennessee’s defensive planning.

Tennessee’s Secondary: Depth and Challenges

The departure of Jakobe Thomas is particularly consequential for Tennessee’s secondary, a unit that has faced considerable turnover in recent years. As defensive coordinator Tim Banks continues to develop his defensive schemes, particularly in the backfield, the loss of any player—especially one with Thomas’s potential—creates a void that must be addressed quickly. Let’s break down what this departure means for the Tennessee Volunteers:

1. Loss of Depth

Tennessee’s secondary had already been in a state of flux before Thomas’s announcement. The Volunteers had a solid group of returning defensive backs, but with Thomas leaving, they are now a little thinner. Depth in the secondary is critical in the high-speed, pass-heavy game of college football, and any injury or suspension to starters could now have a more significant impact. Without Thomas in the fold, Tennessee will have to rely on younger, less experienced players or potentially recruit new talent to fill the void.

2. Youthful Inexperience

The departure of Thomas could place additional pressure on younger players who might not yet be fully ready to contribute at a high level. Tennessee has some promising young defensive backs on the roster, but they have yet to prove themselves as reliable starters in the SEC. Players like junior cornerback Kamal Hadden, sophomore safety Christian Charles, and redshirt freshmen may now see an increase in their roles, but they must prove that they can rise to the challenge. Additionally, any mistakes made in the secondary could result in significant yardage gains for opposing offenses, something that could harm Tennessee’s chances in competitive SEC games.

3. Transition to a New Identity

With players like Thomas leaving, Tennessee’s secondary may need to develop a new identity. Last season, Tennessee had a defense that relied on aggressive pass coverage and quick reactions. But without a key player like Thomas, the Vols will need to adjust their approach to defensive back play. This could mean a greater reliance on the defensive line and linebackers to help pressure opposing quarterbacks or a shift in scheme to better utilize the existing personnel. Coaches will need to get creative in how they replace Thomas’s skills, whether that be in terms of coverage or tackling ability.

Impact on the 2025 Season

The loss of Jakobe Thomas is not just an issue for Tennessee’s defense in the long run—it’s also a short-term problem that could affect the team’s performance in 2025. The Volunteers have a challenging schedule ahead, including games against several high-powered SEC offenses. In games where the offense is likely to score a lot of points, the defense will need to be solid in coverage, and losing a contributor like Thomas in that regard could hurt.

1. Recruitment and the Transfer Portal

Tennessee will likely look to the transfer portal to address this gap. As more players enter the portal, it’s possible that Tennessee could find another experienced defensive back who can contribute right away. However, it’s also important to note that finding a suitable replacement won’t be easy. The portal is flooded with talent, and Tennessee will have to identify a player who not only fits their defensive scheme but also has the maturity and experience to step into a significant role.

If Tennessee can land a transfer who has started at a high level of competition, it would provide immediate relief. But there are risks involved in bringing in players from the portal. While transfers can provide an immediate impact, it may take time for them to gel with the existing defensive personnel, making their integration into the lineup less seamless than one might hope.

2. Internal Adjustments

Tennessee will also have to evaluate how to manage the players they currently have on the roster. Coaches will likely re-evaluate the depth chart to figure out who can step into a starting or rotational role in the secondary. This might also mean adjusting how they use certain players or shifting defensive alignments to account for the changes in personnel.

There’s a silver lining here for Tennessee, though: the experience gained by younger players who now have to step up will be invaluable in the future. While it may not pay off immediately, the Vols are giving younger players a chance to grow and mature, which will only help the program in the long term.

The Bigger Picture: Tennessee’s Defense Moving Forward

Tennessee’s defense in 2025 will undoubtedly look different from what it did in 2024. The Vols have made great strides in recent years under head coach Josh Heupel and defensive coordinator Tim Banks, and they’ll need to continue that upward trajectory despite the challenges of turnover. The loss of Jakobe Thomas is just one of many variables the coaching staff will need to manage as they prepare for the season.

Looking beyond 2025, the situation is not entirely bleak for Tennessee. They have a recruiting pipeline that continues to bring in talented defensive backs, and the program is in a position where they can continue to attract top-tier talent through both traditional recruiting and the transfer portal. Moreover, the team’s overall success on the field will continue to play a large role in their ability to lure top recruits.