Tawfiq Thomas Enters Transfer Portal Again, Eyes Third Stop in Five Years
Tawfiq Thomas is back in the transfer portal, searching for a new home for what will be his final season of college football. The former 3-star defensive lineman, who began his career at Louisville before transferring to Colorado, is now looking for his third program in five years.
Thomas first made his mark at Gaither High School in Tampa, Florida, where he drew attention from more than 18 schools. He ultimately committed to Louisville over offers from programs like Miami, Michigan, Iowa State, and Indiana. Ranked as high as No. 839 nationally in the 2022 class, he was viewed as a top-35 defensive lineman and one of the better prospects coming out of Florida.
At Louisville, Thomas saw the field early, logging 22 games over his freshman and sophomore seasons. While his numbers weren’t eye-popping-just 12 tackles across 207 defensive snaps-he showed flashes of potential. Eight of those tackles came in his freshman year, with four solo tackles added in his second season.
After two years with the Cardinals, Thomas entered the portal for the first time and landed in Boulder, joining Deion Sanders’ Colorado program as part of the Buffaloes’ 2024 recruiting haul. There, he found a bigger role and began to carve out a more defined identity on the field.
In 2024, Thomas played in all 13 games for Colorado and had his most productive season yet. He totaled 18 tackles (13 solo), 2.5 tackles for loss, a sack, and a pass deflection. He wasn’t just filling space-he was making plays, especially in the trenches where Colorado needed consistency.
This past season, Thomas looked poised to build on that momentum. In just four games before an injury cut his year short, he recorded 12 tackles, 1.5 tackles for loss, and a quarterback hurry. It was a promising start that hinted at a bigger breakout before the setback.
Now, with one season of eligibility remaining, Thomas is back in the portal, hoping to find the right fit to close out his college career. Whether he lands as a starter or a rotational piece, he brings experience, size, and a proven ability to contribute when healthy. For programs looking to bolster their defensive line with a veteran presence, Thomas could be a savvy late addition.
With nearly 50 career tackles and game reps in both the ACC and Pac-12, Thomas has seen a lot of football. His next stop will be about more than just stats-it’s about impact, leadership, and maximizing his final year on the field.