Tennessee running back Star Thomas threw a punch at Oregon linebacker Bryce Boettcher during warmups at the Senior Bowl. They were on the same team!
The friendly fire led to a brief altercation that did not need to happen.
These are two college football players with hopes of playing in the NFL. It is not a great look for either.
Who is Bryce Boettcher?
There may not be a more unique player in the 2027 NFL Draft pool. Bryce Boettcher, a native of Eugene, ranked as a three-star duel-threat quarterback in recruiting Class of 2020. However, he committed to play baseball at the University of Oregon as the top-ranked shortstop in the country.
The Ducks later moved him to the outfield. Boettcher had a breakout season in 2024, batting .276 with 12 home runs, 35 RBIs and 15 stolen bases. He also earned a collegiate Gold Glove award and was drafted by the Houston Astros in the 13th round of the MLB Draft.
Boettcher also walked-on to the football team in 2022. The 232-pound linebacker made 269 total tackles over four seasons of college football, with an eye-popping 136 tackles, five pass deflections, one sack, one interception and two forced fumbles as a senior in 2025. He also scored a touchdown!
With all of the hype around guys like Jacob Rodriguez and Kyle Louis, Boettcher had a chip on his shoulder at the Senior Bowl. That was evident during practice throughout the week.
This was one of very few losses for Nick Singleton in pass pro. Oregon LB Bryce Boettcher just bulldozes through his chest pic.twitter.com/assq9Lt1uz
— Jack Brentnall (@Jack_Brentnall) January 28, 2026
Unfortunately, he got into it with his own teammate prior to the game on Saturday.
Who is Star Thomas?
Star Thomas has an equally unusual path to the NFL. The Louisiana-native did not get any FBS offers out of high school so he started his career at Coffeyville Community College.
He ran 160 times for 970 yards with 11 touchdowns in two seasons. That allowed him to transfer up.
Thomas played two years at New Mexico State. The 210-pound running back ran for 1,171 yards and nine touchdowns on 219 carries, which led him to be named to the All-Conference USA Second Team in 2023. And then he transferred to Duke.
Thomas ultimately took over as the starter for the final 10 games of the 2024 season and finished with 871 yards and seven touchdowns on 213 carries. He transferred to Tennessee after the season and ran for 596 yards and seven touchdowns on 104 carries with the Volunteers in 2025.
There is a lot of upside with Thomas, who currently projects as a late-round pick or an undrafted free agent. Don’t be surprised if he works his way onto a roster.
Thomas punched Boettcher at the Senior Bowl.
Unfortunately, the defining moment of Star Thomas and Bryce Boettcher’s performance at the Senior Bowl on Saturday had nothing to do with the actual game. It was a bizarre altercation during warmups.
These two underdog players were on the same team, on opposite sides of the ball.
Thomas took a carry during the pregame walkthrough. Boettcher met him on the second level.
The latter absolutely clobbered the former for no reason. Laid him out. Full send. No mercy.
Boettcher very quickly realized what he did and tried to help him up as a metaphorical olive branch. Thomas rejected the offer, got back to his feet and threw a punch. They exchanged a few blows. Their teammates stepped in to break things up.
Star Thomas and Bryce Boettcher going at it during warm ups lol pic.twitter.com/2vvGusm3jk
— Grant Reacts (@GrantReacts1) January 31, 2026
Bryce Boettcher absolutely should’ve restrained from the big hit on his own teammate during warmups. Star Thomas should’ve restrained from throwing a punch even though his reaction to the unnecessary slobberknocker was completely justified.
I don’t think NFL teams would dock either player for what happened but that is not something you want to have happen during a job interview. Super awkward.