Omari Thomas announces return to Tennessee in 2024

Tennessee DL Omari Thomas will be returning to Knoxville for the 2024 season, he announced via social media on Thursday. Thomas elected to come back for his super senior season instead of putting his name into the 2024 NFL Draft.

Thomas returns to the program after having amassed 89 total tackles (46 solo), eight sacks, four pass breakups and a forced fumble. The four-year Vol released a statement coinciding with his announcement.

“I would first like to thank God for putting me in this position to play football at the collegiate level. I would also like to thank my family, friends, and coaches for their endless support through- out my entire football career. Lastly, to the most electric fanbase inside Neyland Stadium every single Saturday … Thank you. Four years ago, I made a decision to come here and be a part of the change. My time at UT has been nothing short of amazing.

“I’ve accomplished so much in my years here. I’ve grown as a person, both on and off the field. I’ve enjoyed playing alongside my teammates and building a true brotherhood. However, I think we can take this a little bit further! With that being said, I WILL BE RETURNING TO THE UNIVERSITY OF TENNESSEE for my final season! Let’s run it back ONE. LAST. TIME.”

More on the 2024 NFL Draft

The 2024 NFL Draft will be held in Detroit, Michigan, with the first round on Thursday, April 25, the second and third rounds on Friday, April 26, and the fourth through seventh rounds on Saturday, April 27.

Players will have the opportunity to solidify their draft stock at the 2024 NFL Scouting Combine, to be held in Indianapolis, Indiana from February 26 through March 4.

The three-day event will be broadcasted throughout the weekend on ESPN and NFL Network.

To be eligible for the NFL Draft, players must be at least three years removed from their final year of high school while having used up their collegiate eligibility. Underclassmen are able to request league approval to become eligible for the draft, as are players who have graduated prior to using up all of their collegiate eligibility.

Last season, 69 players were granted special eligibility for the 2023 NFL Draft. 13 underclassmen who had completed their college degrees were also deemed eligible to be selected.

The deadline to declare for the 2024 NFL Draft is on January 15. NFL teams will receive a full list of eligible players in the class on January 19.