College football bowl season is well underway, and Ole Miss is set to compete in its fifth consecutive bowl game under head coach Lane Kiffin. They will face Duke in the Gator Bowl on January 2, the first time the two programs will face off.
The Blue Devils will already be without their starting quarterback, Maalik Murphy, who has transferred to Oregon State since the portal opened. Now, they are set to be without their leading rusher, with running back Star Thomas entering the portal yesterday.
Duke running back Star Thomas has entered the transfer portal, @On3sports has learned.
— Pete Nakos (@PeteNakos_) December 26, 2024
Rushed for 871 yards and 7 touchdowns in 2024. Has rushed for 2,049 career yards. Previously at NMSU.https://t.co/VxSGJEUisH pic.twitter.com/825Ocju0LT
Head coach Manny Diaz is now without his top two playmakers for the Gator Bowl, a game that, with a win, would give the team its first double-digit winning season since 2013.
Star Thomas was previously close to being an Ole Miss player
Ole Miss fans are familiar with Star Thomas, with the running back close to being a Rebel back before the 2024 season began.
Thomas entered the spring transfer portal after two seasons with New Mexico State. Ole Miss, California, Duke, and Toldeo were his final four schools, committing to the Blue Devils. During his one season, he rushed for 871 rushing yards from 213 attempts, adding seven rushing touchdowns.
Thomas entered the portal yesterday after learning he was granted an extra year of eligibility. He is one of countless players given an additional year after Vanderbilt quarterback Diego Pavia's court case. Thomas, who played in junior college, has received an extra year while the court ruling is pending.
Duke will now look to back up running backs against the second-best defense against the run this season, allowing under 90 yards per game.