Two former Tennessee football players are locked in for spots in the College Football Playoff semifinals. Former UT safety Jakobe Thomas is a starting safety for the Miami Hurricanes, who will take on the Ole Miss Rebels in the Vrbo Fiesta Bowl on Jan. 8 in Tempe, AZ.
Holden Staes, a former tight end with Tennessee, is a reserve tight end for the Indiana Hoosiers. Curt Cignetti’s squad will take on the Oregon Ducks in the Chick-fil-A Peach Bowl from Atlanta, GA, on Jan. 9.
Thomas has been an impact addition for the Hurricanes’ defense this season. He’s second on the team in total tackles with 64, and has also posted 3.5 sacks, five interceptions, two forced fumbles, and two fumble recoveries. Thomas also took an interception back to the house for his lone touchdown of the season.
Thomas sealed Miami’s upset win over Ohio State in the quarterfinals with an interception on Julian Sayin in the game’s final minutes. After the win, Thomas posted a picture of himself in his Tennessee uniform playing Ohio State with the caption, “Shoutout my orange fam.”
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The other former Vol lined up for the CFP semi-finals is Indiana reserve tight end Holden Staes, who played with Tennessee during the Vols’ 2024 campaign. Staes has appeared in each game for the Hoosiers this season, but has only recorded a reception in five contests. He’s tallied seven total receptions for 62 yards and two touchdowns. Staes’ best game came against Indiana State, in which he totaled two catches for 31 yards and a touchdown.
During the 2024 season at Tennessee, Staes caught 15 passes for 131 yards and one touchdown.
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