Just when it seemed like Tennessee football was about to land standout offensive lineman Josh Thompson, the tides turned. The Vols were the favorite to secure his commitment, with experts predicting his move to Knoxville. But in a stunning twist, Thompson chose to sign with LSU and head to Baton Rouge, officially joining Brian Kelly’s Tigers.
It’s no secret what happened here – LSU swooped in with an irresistible NIL deal that Thompson couldn’t turn down, illustrating the new reality of college football. For Tennessee, this feels like a major blow.
Earlier in the week, Pete Nakos revealed it was a fierce three-team battle between Tennessee, LSU, and Auburn for Thompson’s services. Despite the optimism surrounding Tennessee’s pursuit, Thompson ultimately chose the Tigers. Though losing Thompson stings, Heupel did manage to land Arizona transfer Wendell Moe Jr., adding some much-needed depth to the Vols’ interior line.
With the 2025 offensive line set for a makeover, the hopes were high that Thompson would bolster Tennessee’s line. However, with star player Dylan Thompson declaring for the NFL Draft and rumors swirling about Boo Carter potentially entering the portal, the hits keep coming for Heupel’s squad.
After a historic 10-win season and Tennessee’s first-ever College Football Playoff appearance, the mood in Knoxville has shifted. The loss to Ohio State was tough, and with a string of recent setbacks, fans are desperately hoping for some positive news to reignite their excitement. The clock is ticking for Heupel to turn things around.
