Skip to main content
tennessee logo

Omari Thomas explains his decision to return to Tennessee for 2024 season

IMG_3593by:Grant Ramey•12/14/23•

GrantRamey

Omari Thomas
(Caitie McMekin/News Sentinel / USA TODAY NETWORK) Tennessee defensive lineman Omari Thomas (21) is seen on the field during a football game between Tennessee and UTSA at Neyland Stadium in Knoxville, Tenn., on Saturday, Sept. 23, 2023.

Omari Thomas on Thursday became the third Tennessee senior to announce his return to the Vols for the 2024 season, following offensive lineman offensive tackle John Campbell and linebacker Keenan Pili. 

The 6-foot-4, 320-pound Thomas, a Memphis native and product of Briarcrest Christian High School, is coming off a career-high 31 tackles in 11 games this season. He had 1.0 sacks and 4.5 tackles for loss, his highest TFL total since he had 5.0 in 12 games in 2021.

In 43 career games with the Vols, Thomas has 86 tackles, 13.0 tackles for loss, 4.0 sacks, eight passes defended, five forced fumbles and one fumble recovery. Thomas was a four-star prospect in the 2020 recruiting class.

Thomas announced his return for the 2024 season in a statement posted on social media:

Dear Vol Nation,

I would like to thank God for putting me in this position to play football the collegiate level. I would also like to thank my family, friends and coaches for their endless support throughout my entire football career. Lastly, to the most electric fanbase inside Neyland Stadium every singly 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 ew 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.

Go Vols Forever & Always,

Omari Thomas 

Campbell, the Miami transfer, announced his return on December 4.

He spent five years at Miami before transferring to Tennessee. He started the first 10 games of the season for the Vols at left tackle before dealing with an injury over the final three weeks of the regular season. 

He has started 27 times in 43 career games, including 18 starts in 34 games at Miami.

Pili, the BYU transfer who was lost to a season-ending injury in the season-opening win over Virginia on September 2 in Nashville, announced his return on December 8.

He finished the Virginia game with four tackles, including two solo tackles. He earned a game ball after the win, after playing 30 snaps. 

Pili spent the last four years at BYU. He had 191 tackles in 34 career games at BYU, including 62 tackles, 4.0 tackles for loss and 1.0 sacks in 12 games last season. He had 13.5 tackles for loss and 3.5 sacks during his time with the Cougars. 

You may also like