Tennessee Football is targeting running back star Thomas in the transfer portal, a potential game-changer who could complement quarterback Nico Iamaleava, bolstering the Vols’ offensive depth for the future.

Tennessee Football, under the leadership of head coach Josh Heupel, has emerged as a dominant force in the SEC in recent seasons. The Vols have rejuvenated their program, climbing the ranks and competing at the highest level of college football. As the 2025 season approaches, Tennessee is gearing up to build on its success, particularly by enhancing its offensive capabilities. One key area of focus is the transfer portal, a crucial avenue for teams to address their immediate needs and strengthen their rosters.

One of the most exciting developments for the Tennessee Volunteers is their pursuit of running back star Thomas in the transfer portal. This dynamic player has caught the attention of several top programs, but Tennessee appears to be the front-runner in securing his services. His addition could provide a massive boost to Tennessee’s offense, complementing the talents of rising star quarterback Nico Iamaleava.

1. Tennessee’s Offensive Transformation Under Josh Heupel

When Josh Heupel took over as head coach of Tennessee in 2021, the Vols were coming off a period of uncertainty. The program had undergone multiple coaching changes, and the on-field product had suffered as a result. However, Heupel wasted no time in making his mark, implementing an up-tempo, high-powered offense that quickly made Tennessee one of the most exciting teams to watch in college football.

Heupel’s offensive philosophy revolves around a fast-paced, pass-heavy attack that takes advantage of the team’s playmakers in space. This system has proven effective, with Tennessee’s offense ranking among the best in the SEC and the nation. Quarterback play has been central to this success, and Nico Iamaleava, the highly-touted freshman from California, is expected to take over as the team’s leader under center in the 2025 season.

However, for Tennessee’s offense to reach its full potential, it needs to be well-rounded, and that includes having a dynamic running game that can balance out the pass-heavy attack. While Tennessee has had flashes of success in the running game, they’ve yet to have that true, game-changing back who can consistently carry the load and provide a reliable option in the backfield. This is where Thomas, a star running back in the transfer portal, comes into play.

2. The Running Back Landscape at Tennessee

Tennessee has a solid track record of producing quality running backs, but the position has been inconsistent in recent years. Players like Jabari Small and Jaylen Wright have shown potential but have not been able to fully establish themselves as consistent, game-changing threats on the ground. While both players are talented and have contributed in a variety of ways, neither has been able to carry the offense when it’s needed most.

With Iamaleava expected to take over as the face of the offense, it’s important for Tennessee to have a strong running game to keep defenses honest and prevent them from keying in solely on the passing attack. In the SEC, where teams like Alabama, Georgia, and LSU consistently field elite defenses, Tennessee will need to be multidimensional in order to compete for championships.

This is where a player like Thomas would be invaluable. Known for his elite combination of speed, power, and vision, Thomas has the tools to be an immediate contributor in Tennessee’s backfield. He would provide a much-needed spark to Tennessee’s offense, allowing Iamaleava to focus on what he does best—distributing the ball to Tennessee’s talented receiving corps—while also keeping defenses off balance with a legitimate running threat.

3. Why Thomas Would Be a Game-Changer for Tennessee

The addition of Thomas would be a game-changer for Tennessee’s offense for several reasons. First and foremost, Thomas is an exceptional running back with the ability to make an impact in multiple facets of the game. Here are some of the key reasons why Thomas would be such an important addition to the Vols:

a. Elite Speed and Vision

One of the defining characteristics of Thomas’s game is his elite speed. Whether running between the tackles or breaking to the outside, he has the acceleration to burst through holes and turn small gains into big plays. His vision as a runner is also outstanding, allowing him to quickly identify openings in the defense and exploit them for maximum yardage. These skills make him a constant threat to break off long runs, an ability that Tennessee’s offense has lacked in recent seasons.

b. Versatility as a Pass-Catcher

Another reason why Thomas would be such a valuable asset to Tennessee’s offense is his ability to contribute in the passing game. In Heupel’s up-tempo system, the running back is often asked to catch passes out of the backfield, and Thomas excels in this area. His ability to make defenders miss in open space, combined with his natural hands and route-running ability, makes him a dangerous weapon as a pass-catching running back. This versatility would allow Tennessee to use him in a variety of ways, whether as a traditional runner or as a safety valve for Iamaleava in the passing game.

c. Physicality and Durability

While speed and vision are key attributes for a running back, durability and physicality are equally important, especially in the grind of the SEC. Thomas has demonstrated an ability to take hits and keep moving forward, often pushing through arm tackles and gaining extra yardage after contact. This toughness would make him a reliable option for Tennessee, especially in short-yardage situations or when the Vols need to pick up crucial first downs in critical moments.

Additionally, Thomas has shown that he can handle a heavy workload, a crucial factor for Tennessee, which often relies on its running back to carry the ball 20 or more times per game. His ability to stay fresh throughout a game would be invaluable to the Vols, who need a consistent and durable running back to complement their explosive passing attack.

d. Immediate Impact

While recruiting and player development are always important, the transfer portal offers teams the opportunity to add immediate contributors to their roster. Thomas has already demonstrated his ability to perform at a high level in college football, and his transition to Tennessee would likely be seamless. He would be able to step in and contribute right away, giving Tennessee an instant upgrade at the running back position.

With Iamaleava entering his first season as the starting quarterback, having a proven, dynamic running back in the backfield would take a significant amount of pressure off of him. It would allow the Vols to balance their offensive attack, keeping defenses on their toes and preventing them from loading up to stop the pass.

4. The Chemistry Between Thomas and Nico Iamaleava

While Thomas would be a great addition to Tennessee’s offense in his own right, his presence could also have a profound impact on quarterback Nico Iamaleava. Iamaleava is one of the most highly-anticipated quarterbacks in college football, and the expectations for him are immense. His talent as a passer and his ability to lead the offense are unquestioned, but like any young quarterback, he will need help from his supporting cast to reach his full potential.

The addition of a player like Thomas would provide Iamaleava with a reliable option in the backfield, which would help ease his transition to a starting role. Having a dynamic running back to rely on would take some of the pressure off Iamaleava, allowing him to focus on developing his passing game while knowing that the Vols have a capable ball carrier to move the chains.

Additionally, the chemistry between Iamaleava and Thomas could be a key factor in Tennessee’s offensive success. With Thomas’s ability to catch passes out of the backfield and Iamaleava’s natural ability to distribute the ball, the two could form a potent duo that keeps defenses on their heels. Iamaleava’s ability to spread the ball around to his playmakers, including Thomas, would make Tennessee’s offense even more dangerous.

5. The Transfer Portal’s Role in Tennessee’s Recruiting Strategy

The transfer portal has become a major factor in modern college football recruiting, allowing programs to fill immediate needs and bolster their rosters quickly. For Tennessee, the portal has already been an essential tool in building a competitive team under Josh Heupel. By targeting players like Thomas, who have proven themselves at the college level, the Vols are able to plug gaps and address areas of need without having to wait for a lengthy development process.

Tennessee’s aggressive pursuit of Thomas is a reflection of the program’s commitment to winning now. The Vols have the pieces in place to compete for SEC titles, and adding a player like Thomas would further solidify their position as a contender. The transfer portal has leveled the playing field in many ways, and for programs like Tennessee, which are looking to make a statement, it’s an invaluable resource for immediate impact players.