A South Carolina edge rusher and son of an 11-year NFL veteran, chasing a Jaguars roster spot as an undrafted free agent.
Bryan Thomas Jr. grew up around the game his father played for over a decade in the NFL, and he turned that background into a breakout final season at South Carolina. Now he is fighting for a spot in a crowded Jacksonville edge room after going unselected in the 2026 draft.
Path to the league
Thomas is the son of Bryan Thomas Sr., who spent 11 seasons as an outside linebacker and defensive end for the New York Jets after being drafted 22nd overall in 2002. The younger Thomas played 46 games over four seasons at South Carolina, making 19 starts, before signing with the Jaguars as an undrafted free agent following the 2026 NFL Draft.
Career highlights
Thomas finished his South Carolina career with 92 total tackles, 20.5 tackles for loss, 13.5 sacks and five forced fumbles across 46 games. His production climbed steadily each year as he grew into a full-time starter on the Gamecocks' defensive line.
2025 season recap
Thomas had his best college season in 2025, earning All-SEC Third Team honors after recording a team-high seven sacks, 41 tackles and 11 tackles for loss, with PFF crediting him with 38 total pressures. He now heads into Jaguars training camp competing for a roster spot on the edge.
Sources
- ESPN: Bryan Thomas Jr.
- Wikipedia: Bryan Thomas (American football)
Player Profile
Background
- Position
- Defensive End
- Group
- defense
- College
- South Carolina
- Hometown
- Windermere, FL, USA
- Age
- 22
- Status
- active
