Every college football team is going to let a player leave via the transfer portal that they’ll later regret.

It’s just the nature of the sport in the NIL era.

But the Tennessee Vols’ decision to keep safety Boo Carter, who was eventually dismissed from the UT football program, over safety Jakobe Thomas is one that’s going to haunt fans for a long time.

Thomas grew up rooting for the Vols. He never wanted to leave Tennessee, but he felt he had to in order to reach his potential as a football player (Thomas wasn’t a starter for the Vols). That’s why he transferred from Tennessee to Miami after the 2024 season.

“I ended up transferring here (to Miami),” said Thomas last fall. “And I haven’t looked back. But at the same time, that was a harder moment for me — because I love that place (Tennessee). That place was a dream come true for me. But everybody’s story is different, and I think I needed a different opportunity somewhere else, and this opportunity is working out for me well. But that was a hard decision. That was a tough one.”

Thomas ended up being a key player for a Miami team that played in the national championship game, and he was then drafted by the Minnesota Vikings in the third round of the 2026 NFL Draft.

And just like he did at Miami, Thomas is quickly making an impact in Minnesota.

Jakobe Thomas wants to be a Hall of Famer

Thomas isn’t just hoping to make an impact with the Vikings, he has his sights set on being a Hall of Famer down the road.

“You talk about a guy who’s only been here a couple weeks, he knows the system like the back of his hand already,” said Vikings safety Josh Metellus this month when asked about Thomas. “It’s more about the little things, the ins and outs of why we do things that he has to get a grasp on, and that’s when it comes to reps. But in terms of just natural football, I.Q., things come very easy to him… This defense is a lot, so we’re throwing a lot at him, but he’s been handling it very well.”

“You appreciate that (Thomas’ love of the game),” added Metellus. “Especially a young guy, to come in and already be talking about his journey and his path and where he wants to be. He wants to put on a [Hall of Fame] Gold Jacket like we all do, and you can feel that in the way he works and goes about things.

“You can see it, too. It’s not just talk. He’s in here late meeting with the coaches, meeting with [Defensive Coordinator Brian Flores], trying to get caught up to speed. So it’s definitely been great.”

Thomas is in the early stages of his career — he has to earn a starting job before any of his goals can even come close to being achieved, but he’s certainly off to a great start. And it’s just another reminder of one that got away for Tennessee.