The Duke football team has enjoyed some spoils from the transfer portal this offseason, but the Blue Devils lost a second offensive starter on Thursday night.
Running back Star Thomas, who led the team with 871 rushing yards and seven touchdowns in 2024, announced his decision to enter the transfer portal through social media. He cited personal reasons for the choice to leave the program.
Thomas, who joined the program from New Mexico State this offseason, also caught 20 passes for 153 yards and another touchdown as a receiving threat.
His shining moment with the Blue Devils came against the North Carolina Tar Heels in Week 5 when he stacked 166 rushing yards, 45 receiving yards, and two touchdowns on 32 touches in the 20-point comeback. The performance, his third straight outing with at least 100 rushing yards, earned him ACC Running Back of the Week honors.
Thomas emerged as the lead back after senior Jaquez Moore injured his ankle in the second game of the season against Northwestern. Moore, who ran for 674 yards in 2023, only appeared in two more games, but head coach Manny Diaz confirmed his return for the 2025 season last month.
Sophomore Peyton Jones (299 yards and three touchdowns) and Appalachian State transfer Anderson Castle will also carry the load next year.