Star Thomas Has the Chance to be a Difference Maker for Tennessee Football

In the fast-evolving landscape of college football, few names have begun to generate more buzz on Rocky Top than Star Thomas. As the Tennessee Volunteers prepare for a highly anticipated 2025 season under head coach Josh Heupel, the emergence of Thomas could be a defining factor in the program’s pursuit of SEC dominance and a College Football Playoff berth.

A dynamic playmaker with the versatility, grit, and explosiveness to shine in multiple roles, Star Thomas is poised to break out in a big way. Whether lining up in the backfield, returning kicks, or catching passes in the slot, his impact potential is undeniable — and Tennessee fans have every reason to be excited about what lies ahead.

This deep dive will explore who Star Thomas is, how he arrived in Knoxville, what makes him special, and how he could become the Volunteers’ secret weapon in 2025.

Who Is Star Thomas?

Star Thomas is a 5-foot-11, 205-pound athlete from Louisiana who made a name for himself at the JUCO level before transferring to Tennessee. After an impressive stint at Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College, where he racked up over 1,200 all-purpose yards and showcased an elite combination of speed and physicality, Thomas quickly became one of the most coveted junior college prospects in the country.

His recruiting journey included offers from multiple Power Five programs, but ultimately, the Volunteers’ offensive vision under Josh Heupel and the opportunity for immediate playing time sealed the deal.

With SEC size and JUCO-tested toughness, Thomas brings a unique maturity and hunger to the Tennessee program — one that could elevate the entire offense.

Tennessee’s Need for a Playmaker

After an up-and-down 2024 campaign that saw the Volunteers finish with a 9-4 record and a bowl game appearance, questions lingered about the offense’s consistency. With veteran quarterback Will Howard now leading the charge, Tennessee has no shortage of firepower, but lacks a proven, go-to playmaker capable of changing the game in a single snap.

That’s where Star Thomas comes in.

Heupel’s offense thrives on tempo, space, and explosiveness — a system tailor-made for a Swiss Army knife like Thomas. Whether it’s jet sweeps, screens, quick-hitting runs, or deep routes out of the backfield, Thomas gives Heupel the kind of multi-dimensional threat that can keep defenses guessing.

The Path to Knoxville

Thomas’s journey to Tennessee wasn’t the most conventional. Coming out of high school, he was underrecruited and didn’t receive the kind of attention typically reserved for SEC-caliber athletes. But rather than let that define him, he took the JUCO route, honed his skills, and turned himself into a complete offensive weapon.

His time at Mississippi Gulf Coast CC was marked by relentless work ethic and eye-popping production. Coaches raved about his attitude and ability to pick up the playbook quickly. Teammates leaned on him for leadership. Fans took notice of his highlights — stiff arms, cuts, and long runs that made him look like a Power Five player trapped in a JUCO uniform.

The leap to Tennessee felt inevitable.

Skillset Breakdown

So what exactly makes Star Thomas such a dangerous prospect?

1. Speed and Burst

Thomas has legitimate 4.4 speed and gets up to top-end velocity quickly. He’s especially deadly in open space and has a second gear that allows him to pull away from defenders.

2. Physicality

At 205 pounds, he’s not just a finesse player. Thomas doesn’t shy away from contact, often lowering his shoulder to finish runs. His physicality makes him effective between the tackles as well as on the perimeter.

3. Hands

With soft hands and natural receiving ability, Thomas is a nightmare matchup out of the backfield or when lined up in the slot. Expect Heupel to use him in motion to create mismatches against linebackers.

4. Vision

Thomas sees the field like a veteran. He has a great sense of where defenders are and makes subtle cuts to find daylight. His patience as a runner is reminiscent of NFL-caliber backs.

5. Versatility

Run, catch, return kicks — Thomas does it all. His value on special teams could also earn him early reps, and once the ball is in his hands, anything can happen.

Quotes from the Program

Tennessee running backs coach Jerry Mack recently said:

“Star brings juice. He’s one of those guys who just has a different gear. The moment never feels too big for him, and he’s hungry. That’s what you want.”

Quarterback Will Howard added:

“Having a guy like Star in the backfield makes my job easier. He’s a playmaker, plain and simple. You get him the ball, and he makes things happen.”

Potential Offensive Role in 2025

Tennessee returns a deep backfield with Dylan Sampson, Cam Seldon, and Khalifa Keith, but Thomas offers something none of them quite do — the ability to line up all over the field and force defenses into uncomfortable decisions.

Look for Heupel to use him:

• On early downs for explosive run potential
• In passing downs for mismatches on wheel routes
• In jet motion and screen plays
• As a kick returner or gadget option

In short, Thomas will be the “X-factor” in Tennessee’s offense — not necessarily the primary ball carrier, but the spark that ignites big plays.

Expectations and Comparisons

While it’s always tricky to predict breakout stars in the SEC, the signs point to Star Thomas being one of Tennessee’s most impactful players by midseason.

He draws favorable comparisons to players like:

• Alvin Kamara (Tennessee/NFL) – because of his dual-threat skillset
• Kadarius Toney (Florida/NFL) – due to his elusiveness and versatility
• De’Anthony Thomas (Oregon) – thanks to his game-breaking speed

If he lives up to even a fraction of that hype, Tennessee will have added a game-changer at the perfect time.

National Spotlight

Thomas’s arrival in Knoxville hasn’t gone unnoticed by national media. The Athletic listed him as one of the “Top 20 Under-the-Radar Transfers to Watch” heading into the fall, and multiple analysts have mentioned him as a potential breakout candidate in the SEC.

ESPN’s Tom Luginbill said:

“Star Thomas is one of those guys who just pops on tape. He’s going to surprise people in the SEC.”

What Needs to Happen for Him to Break Out

While Thomas has all the tools, there are a few keys that will determine how big his role becomes:

1. Consistent Reps – With a crowded backfield, he’ll need to maximize every touch.
2. Blocking – Pass protection is crucial in Heupel’s offense. Thomas must hold his own against blitzes.
3. Durability – The SEC is physical. Staying healthy will be essential to seeing consistent playing time.
4. Buy-In to Special Teams – Earning time as a returner may be his quickest path to early impact.

The Fans’ Perspective

Vol Nation has already embraced Thomas. His work ethic, humility, and big-play potential make him a fan favorite, and highlight clips from spring practice have only added fuel to the excitement.

One fan tweeted:

“Star Thomas is going to be the most electric guy we’ve had since Jalin Hyatt. Book it.”

Another posted:

“Give Star the rock. Dude is a weapon waiting to be unleashed.”

Future Outlook and NFL Potential

Thomas has two years of eligibility remaining and could use them to vault himself into the NFL conversation. His game fits the modern pro style, especially as teams look for backs who can contribute in the pass game and line up at multiple spots.

With a strong year in the SEC, he could climb up draft boards in 2026.

In a sport where versatility and speed can tilt the scales, Star Thomas has the chance to become Tennessee’s difference maker. His arrival comes at a perfect time — in the middle of an offensive reload, with a veteran quarterback and a coaching staff known for creativity.

If he stays healthy, adapts to the SEC grind, and makes the most of his touches, Thomas could be one of the breakout stars not just at Tennessee — but across the entire SEC.

Rocky Top is ready for liftoff, and Star Thomas just might be the engine.