Just days after Tennessee defensive back Christian Charles was reportedly weighing his options between Virginia and Miami, another Volunteer secondary member, Jakobe Thomas, is now set to visit Miami this week. Thomas, ranked among the top 10 players available in the portal by 247Sports, will also make a visit to Florida State. According to On3’s Pete Nakos, those will be his only two visits during the transfer process.
Thomas transferred to Tennessee from Middle Tennessee State before the 2024 season and contributed in a rotational role, logging 22 tackles, a sack, and two pass breakups. He’s currently considered the No. 2 safety in the transfer portal.
During his time at Middle Tennessee, Thomas was a productive playmaker. As a redshirt freshman, he notched four interceptions (including a pick-six), three pass breakups, one fumble recovery, and 27 solo tackles. In 2023, he added 52 solo tackles, three tackles for loss, five pass deflections, and a forced fumble.
Though his production dipped in 2024, Thomas was projected to be a starting safety for Tennessee in 2025, and the program was reportedly disappointed to see him enter the portal. Some reports suggest a return to Knoxville remains a possibility.
Meanwhile, Miami continues to pursue veteran additions to bolster its secondary. Houston transfer AJ Haulcy, another defensive back in the portal, was spotted visiting Coral Gables on Tuesday. However, there is growing speculation that Haulcy may end up at Ole Miss. A decision from him is expected soon.
In addition, former Auburn and Houston defensive back Keionte Scott also visited Miami on Tuesday and remains in consideration as the Hurricanes look to add experienced depth to their defensive backfield.
