University of Minnesota Athletics

2026 Football Roster

T.J. Thomas
Jersey Number 23

TJ Thomas

  • Position:
    RB
  • Ht./Wt.:
    5-8 / 190
  • Hometown:
    Thomasville, Ga.
  • High School:
    Brookwood
  • Prev School:
    Elon
  • Years in College / At Minnesota:
    3 / 1
  • Class:
    Junior
PRONUNCIATION

OVERVIEW: Enrolled at Minnesota in January 2026 • spent the 2024-25 seasons at Elon. 

PREVIOUS SCHOOL: Spent two seasons (2024-25) at Elon where he played in 17 games rushed 180 times for 972 yards and 11 touchdowns • caught 28 passes for 232 yards and one touchdown • returned 28 kickoffs for 686 yards and two punts for 36 yards • in 2025, played in nine games • carried the ball 91 times for 384 yards and six touchdowns and also caught 15 passes for 124 yards • returned 16 kickoffs for 441 yards and two punts for 36 yards • in 2024, played in eight games • rushed 89 times for 588 yards and five touchdowns and made 13 catches for 108 yards and one touchdown • returned 12 kicks for 245 yards.  

HIGH SCHOOL: Attended Brookwood School in Thomasville, Georgia • wore No. 5 for the Broncos and was coached by Shane Boggs • played four years of varsity football and was a three-time all-state and four-time all-region performer • finished career with 2,209 rushing yards, 3,457 receiving yards, 6,488 all-purpose yards and 76 total touchdowns • as a senior, had 1,025 receiving yards, 946 rushing yards and 31 total touchdowns • as a junior, had 1,035 rushing yards, 958 receiving yards and 27 total touchdowns • as a sophomore recorded 985 receiving yards, 228 rushing yards and 10 touchdowns • as a freshman, had 489 receiving yards and eight touchdowns • also competed in basketball and track & field.

PERSONAL: Son of Antwan and Shacoya Thomas • father, Antwan, played football at Valdosta State • has one brother (Jay).
Barber & Maroney III Highlights
Thursday, January 29
Coach Fleck Postgame at Rate Bowl
Tuesday, January 06
Cinematic Recap: Gophers Win Ninth Straight Bowl
Friday, January 02
Anthony Smith - Rate Bowl
Monday, December 29