Key Tennessee Offensive Contributor Started His Career At New Mexico State

Tennessee football is back in action this Saturday when the Vols host New Mexico State in the penultimate game of the 2025 season at Neyland Stadium. While Tennessee and New Mexico State have faced off just two previous times, there’s one strong connection between the two sides.

Tennessee running back Star Thomas began his collegiate career at New Mexico State, playing both his freshman and sophomore seasons for the Aggies. Thomas was a contributor on New Mexico State’s offense from the jump. He rushed for 525 yards and five touchdowns as a freshman before following it up with 653 yards and four touchdowns as a sophomore.

In total, Thomas accounted for 1,529 yards and 14 touchdowns in his two years with the Aggies as he proved to be an effective pass catcher out of the backfield.

Thomas’ two years at New Mexico State matched up with Jerry Kill’s two seasons as head coach. The Aggies were effective during that stretch, posting a 17-11 record including a 10-win 2023 season. After Kill went into semi retirement, Thomas entered the transfer portal and landed at Duke.

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Following one effective season at Duke, Thomas hopped back in the transfer portal and landed at Tennessee. The Louisiana native has been Tennessee’s number two running back this year and enters the home stretch of the season with 80 carries for 428 yards and five touchdowns. He’s added 77 receiving yards and two receiving touchdowns.

Thomas ranks second on Tennessee’s team in carries and rushing yards while ranking third in rushing touchdowns. He’s also been Tennessee’s best receiving running back so far this season.

The senior running back will have even more connections next week when Tennessee faces Vanderbilt. Kill is currently a consultant at Vanderbilt while Thomas’ former New Mexico State offensive coordinator Tim Beck is the offensive coordinator at Vanderbilt. Thomas also played with Vanderbilt stars Diego Pavia and Eli Stowers at New Mexico State.

New Mexico State has struggled in Tony Sanchez’s first two years as head coach. The Aggies went 3-9 a season ago and are 3-6 so far this year but has lost four straight games heading into this weekend’s matchup at Neyland Stadium.