Tennessee entered the week looking like they were in the lead to land Northwestern offensive line transfer Josh Thompson. But the Vols were unable to get to the finish line with Thompson committing to LSU on Friday afternoon.
One of the top offensive linemen in the transfer portal, Thompson visited Auburn, LSU and Tennessee before eventually committing to Brian Kelly and the Tigers.
Geaux Tigers pic.twitter.com/NE6YG4FdAW
— Josh Thompson (@ThompsonJoshMI) December 27, 2024
Thompson ranks as the No. 66 player and No. 6 interior offensive lineman in the transfer portal according to the 247sports transfer rankings.
The 6-foot-5, 301-pound transfer started 10 games at right guard for Northwestern in 2024 where he earned a 75.0 PFF grade in 646 total snaps. Thompson has two years of eligibility remaining after spending three seasons and playing in two seasons at Northwestern.
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Tennessee has already landed one offensive guard in the transfer portal, landing Arizona transfer Wendell Moe earlier this month. Over the last two seasons, Moe played 1,624 snaps and earned a 67.4 PFF grade this past season after earning a 68.5 PFF grade in 2023. According to PFF, Moe is an elite pass blocker from the guard position (88.3 grade in 2024) and an average run blocker (60.1).
The Vols lose starting right guard Javontez Spraggins to graduation as well as starting center Cooper Mays. Starting left guard Andrej Karic is also out of eligibility but he is currently appealing to the NCAA for a medial redshirt in 2023 and one final year of eligibility.
LSU is coming off of a disappointing 8-4 (5-3 SEC) season and is set to face off against Baylor in the Texas Bowl on New Years Eve afternoon. After two straight underwhelming seasons, LSU head coach Brian Kelly enters the 2025 season on the hot seat.
