Tennessee expected to host transfer running back

Tennessee is expected to host a transfer running back, a source tells On3. Duke running back Star Thomas will be in Knoxville on Thursday.

Thomas appeared in 12 games for the Blue Devils in 2024, carrying the ball 213 times for 871 yards and seven touchdowns. He also caught 20 passes for 153 yards and a touchdown. With Cameron Seldon transferring to Virginia Tech, the Volunteers have an open spot in their running back room.

Tennessee is also losing top rusher Dylan Sampson to the 2025 NFL draft. He finished the 2024 season with 1,491 rushing yards and 22 touchdowns. The Vols bring back Peyton Lewis, a former four-star recruit who was a true freshman this season. He flashed in moments, finishing his first year in Knoxville with 339 yards and three touchdowns.

“Kind of built him throughout the course of training camp as far as the physical part of the game, and for a young guy, he’s really mature, really consistent in how he practices, and because of that, he’s just continued to grow throughout the course of the season,” Tennessee head coach Josh Heupel said about Lewis during the season.

A former New Mexico State transfer, Thomas rushed for 1,173 yards and nine touchdowns over two seasons with the Aggies. He was named second-team All-Conference USA in 2023 after rushing for 653 yards on 112 carries, averaging 5.8 yards per rush with four touchdowns on the year.

The NCAA Division I Board of Directors’ decision to approve blanket waivers granting an additional year of eligibility to former junior college transfers gives Thomas a final year of college football. The running back began his college career playing at Coffeyville Community College. During his one season with Coffeyville, Star Thomas topped the 100-yard mark twice and helped win the 2021 KJCCC Conference Championship.