INDIANAPOLIS - Tennessee's defense might have had its struggles during the 2025 season, but one player who truly shone elsewhere was Jakobe Thomas. The hard-hitting safety found his stride at Miami, playing a pivotal role in taking the Hurricanes to the brink of a national championship.
Tennessee fans might be wondering what could have been if Thomas had stayed to bolster their secondary. Instead, the Tullahoma, Tenn., native chose a different path, leaving behind a likely starting role with the Vols during the spring transfer portal window.
His standout All-ACC performance as a redshirt senior has now earned him a spot at the NFL Scouting Combine, where he recently opened up about his transfer decision.
Thomas's journey began in Starkville, Miss., where he grew up attending Mississippi State games. But a family move to Tullahoma when he was around 10 or 11 years old turned him into a Tennessee fan. After spending three seasons at Middle Tennessee State, he seized the chance to play for the Vols.
In 2024, as a redshirt junior, Thomas made his mark by appearing in all 13 games for Tennessee's College Football Playoff team. He recorded 22 tackles, including three for loss, alongside a sack, two pass breakups, and a fumble recovery.
His 263 defensive snaps were the third-highest among Tennessee safeties, trailing only Will Brooks and Andre Turrentine. With Brooks moving on after a productive season, Thomas was primed to fill his spot in 2025.