Former Tennessee running back Justin Williams-Thomas announced on Sunday that he plans to enter the transfer portal when it opens. The news came through a post on social media.
“Herd Nation thank you for an amazing year, the fans here are amazing! The constant love and support you guys bring for this program is UNMATCHED,” Williams-Thomas wrote in his post. “But ultimately I have decided to enter the Transfer Portal as a Grad Transfer with 2 years of Eligibility left. Once again Thank You Herd Nation.”
Thank You Marshall… pic.twitter.com/EagK74USvw
— JUSTIN WILLIAMS-THOMAS AKA “J-WILL” (@akajwill) December 7, 2025
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The Dallas, GA, native first committed to Tennessee as a four-star prospect in the 2022 recruiting class. He played in three games with the Volunteers during the 2022 season, which earned him a redshirt, totaling 37 yards in 11 attempts. His best game of the season came against Akron, where he rushed for 22 yards on five carries.
Williams-Thomas entered the transfer portal after just one season in Knoxville. He emerged out of the portal with Cal. During the 2023 season with the Golden Bears, Williams-Thomas racked up 91 yards on 21 attempts. He played in the final six games of the season for Cal after not playing in any of the first seven contests. His best game of the 2023 season came against UCLA in the regular season finale, tallying 47 rushing yards on 10 attempts.
Williams-Thomas only saw action in three games with Cal in 2024 and did not have any rushing attempts. He then entered the portal again, winding up with Marshall for the 2025 season. Williams-Thomas saw a career-best year during his lone season with the Thundering Herd, going for 197 total yards and two touchdowns on 35 carries. He also added three receptions for 41 yards and a touchdown through the air.
Williams-Thomas posted the fourth-most rushing yards among Marshall’s running backs in 2025.
Stay tuned to Rocky Top Insider for more Tennessee-related transfer portal news.
