Notable NCAA football stars could take advantage of a new, landmark eligibility ruling Friday. Florida State quarterback Tommy Castellanos is one mulling a return. But now Georgia football could see a familiar face who gave the Carolina Panthers a try: safety JaCorey Thomas.
Pete Nakos of On3 reported on Saturday that Thomas could take advantage of this new rule.
“Former Georgia safety JaCorey Thomas is exploring a return to college football following Friday night’s court ruling, his rep Ethos Sports Group tell On3,” Nakos posted on the social media website X, formerly Twitter.
Thomas entered the NFL Draft following posting career-best numbers for tackles (45 with 26 solo). But he went undrafted and eventually earned a minicamp invite from the NFC South champs.
So now this new ruling sparked by a Colorado judge aims to change eligibility standards. Thomas starred for Boone High School in Orlando, Florida in 2022 before enrolling at Georgia. This eligibility ruling is hailed as a “five-for-five” rule, but allows 2022 graduates to gain a fifth year.
Thomas cracked the starting lineup for head coach Kirby Smart in eight games. He also delivered one sack off a blitz. He put together his best outing with the SEC title on the line, producing six tackles against Alabama to claim the conference championship. Thomas even sacked Alabama star quarterback Ty Simpson inside the Mercedes Benz Dome in Atlanta.
He arrived as a four-star signing for a class that featured future 2025 Atlanta Falcons first round linebacker Jalon Walker. Quarterback Gunner Stockton joined this stacked 2022 group too.
Notable NCAA football stars could take advantage of a new, landmark eligibility ruling Friday. Florida State quarterback Tommy Castellanos is one mulling a return. But now Georgia football could see a familiar face who gave the Carolina Panthers a try: safety JaCorey Thomas. Pete Nakos of On3 reported on Saturday that Thomas could take advantage of this new rule.
