For a while, it seemed as though everything was lining up perfectly for Tennessee football in its pursuit of standout offensive lineman Josh Thompson. The Vols, under the leadership of head coach Josh Heupel, appeared to be in the driver’s seat to secure the highly coveted transfer from Northwestern. Multiple recruiting experts had placed their predictions firmly in Tennessee’s favor, and many fans began to feel confident that the 6’5”, 300-pound lineman would be joining the ranks in Knoxville. The optimism surrounding Thompson’s potential commitment was palpable, as he seemed like the missing piece to help shore up the Vols’ offensive line for the 2025 season.
However, just as it seemed like Thompson’s recruitment was all but settled, things took a dramatic turn on Friday. Rather than putting pen to paper with Tennessee, Thompson shocked many by committing to LSU. The decision to join the Tigers, led by head coach Brian Kelly, was confirmed, and Tennessee fans were left reeling. In the world of college football recruiting, it’s no longer just about the program or the culture — NIL deals have quickly become a game-changer, and in this case, it was evident that LSU had offered Thompson an NIL package that was simply too good to refuse. It’s become clear that the landscape of college football recruiting is rapidly shifting, with NIL deals playing an increasingly crucial role in players’ decisions. For the Vols, this shift is particularly frustrating, as they had seemed to have the upper hand just days before Thompson’s commitment.
BREAKING: Josh Thompson, the standout interior offensive lineman transfer from Northwestern, has officially committed to LSU, according to reports from @on3sports.
Thompson’s decision to sign with LSU is a significant blow to Tennessee’s recruiting efforts. The lineman had been a key target for the Vols, who were looking to bolster their offensive line for the upcoming season. Thompson had been a fixture for Northwestern, starting 11 games this past season and playing in all 13, showcasing his durability and skill in a competitive conference. His talent and versatility would have made him a crucial addition to Tennessee’s offensive line as the Vols continue to build for the future. But in the end, it was LSU that won the battle, securing Thompson’s services and leaving Tennessee to regroup.
Earlier in the week, recruiting insider Pete Nakos had reported that it was a three-team race to land Thompson, with Tennessee, LSU, and Auburn all vying for his commitment. However, just days before the final decision, many expected Thompson to choose the Vols. Tennessee had positioned itself as the front-runner for much of the process, with its promising future under Heupel and a dynamic offensive system that seemed like the perfect fit for Thompson’s talents. But LSU’s NIL offer, combined with the allure of playing for a program with championship pedigree, ultimately tipped the scales in their favor.
While missing out on Thompson is undeniably disappointing for Tennessee, it’s worth noting that Heupel and his staff have been able to secure other key additions. Earlier in the offseason, the Vols landed Wendell Moe Jr., a transfer interior lineman from Arizona, providing some stability to the offensive line. Moe’s addition helps to soften the blow of Thompson’s departure, but it’s clear that losing out on a talent like Thompson is a significant setback for Tennessee as they look to remain competitive in the SEC.
Looking ahead to 2025, the Vols’ offensive line is going to look vastly different, and Thompson was viewed as a potential cornerstone who could make an immediate impact. He was expected to contribute to the line from day one, helping to protect Tennessee’s quarterback and open up lanes for their explosive running backs. With Dylan Thompson also announcing his decision to enter the NFL Draft, Tennessee’s offensive line situation becomes even more urgent. The loss of both Thompsons, along with the uncertainty surrounding the rest of the line, means that Heupel and his staff will have to look elsewhere for reinforcements.
Additionally, the situation could become even more precarious for Tennessee if Boo Carter, another highly touted recruit, decides to enter the transfer portal. Carter has been a key part of Tennessee’s future plans, and any decision to leave could further undermine the program’s efforts to maintain momentum. The combination of missed recruiting opportunities and key departures raises the stakes for Heupel, who is now faced with the challenge of keeping the program on track for 2025.
Tennessee football is coming off a historic 10-win season and a thrilling trip to the College Football Playoff for the first time in school history. However, after the tough loss to Ohio State, the program has found itself facing a string of negative updates that have added a sense of uncertainty. From recruiting setbacks to the NFL Draft departures, it’s been a rough few weeks for Heupel and his staff. Fans, who were hoping for continued progress and success, now find themselves on edge, eager for some positive news to help lift the spirits of the fanbase.
Tennessee’s season was a historic achievement, but now more than ever, the Vols need good news to keep that momentum going. With recruiting battles intensifying and the stakes growing higher, Heupel’s ability to respond to setbacks and adapt will be put to the test. As the program looks to the future, the pressure to continue building a championship-contending team is mounting — and fans are eagerly awaiting the next chapter in Tennessee football’s resurgence.
SAD NEWS: SEC rival won the bidding war, just stole a top Tennessee transfer target away from Josh Heupel
