
Fri Jan 09 04:40:00 UTC 2026: ### Tullahoma Native Jakobe Thomas’s Draft Stock Soars After Playoff Performance
The Story:
Tullahoma High School alumnus Jakobe Thomas, a safety for the Miami Hurricanes, has significantly improved his NFL draft prospects following a standout performance in the college football playoffs. Thomas’s aggressive playstyle and game-sealing interception against Ohio State have garnered national attention, even leading to praise from Barstool Sports’ Jack Mac. NFL draft analysts are now projecting Thomas as a potential Day 3 pick, a significant jump from pre-season estimates that had him as an undrafted free agent.
Key Points:
* Jakobe Thomas, a 2021 Tullahoma High School graduate, plays safety for the Miami Hurricanes.
* Thomas had 7 tackles and an interception in Miami’s playoff win against Ohio State on January 3, 2026.
* Barstool Sports’ Jack Mac praised Thomas’s physical playstyle.
* NFL draft analyst Dane Brugler reports that Thomas’s draft stock has risen from undrafted free agent to a potential Day 3 pick.
* The NFL draft is scheduled for April 23, 2026.
* Thomas and the Hurricanes will play Ole Miss on January 8, 2026, in the college football playoff semi-final.
* The last Tullahoma High School player drafted into the NFL was Antonio London in 1993.
Key Takeaways:
* Strong playoff performances can dramatically alter an athlete’s draft prospects.
* Social media attention, even from non-traditional sports outlets, can influence public perception and potentially scout interest.
* Jakobe Thomas has a chance to be the first Tullahoma High School player drafted into the NFL in over three decades.
* Thomas’s remaining college football game against Ole Miss on January 8, 2026, provides another opportunity to further impress NFL scouts.
* The historical context reveals that the focus is entirely on Jakobe Thomas, his performance, and his draft potential as of January 9, 2026.