James Thompson Jr.

James Thompson Jr.
No. 90 – Illinois Fighting Illini
PositionDefensive tackle
Class Senior
Personal information
Listed height6 ft 6 in (1.98 m)
Listed weight308 lb (140 kg)
Career information
High schoolRoger Bacon (St. Bernard, Ohio)
College
Stats at ESPN

James Thompson Jr. is an American football defensive lineman for the Illinois Fighting Illini. He previously played for the Wisconsin Badgers.

Early life

Thompson Jr. attended Roger Bacon High School in St. Bernard, Ohio. He was rated as a three-star recruit and the 64th overall defensive end in the class of 2020 and committed to play college football for the Wisconsin Badgers.[1]

College career

Wisconsin

As a freshman in 2020, Thompson Jr. played in just one game versus Michigan before suffering a season-ending Achilles injury.[2] In 2021, he played in all 13 games, recording seven tackles.[3] During the 2022 season, Thompson Jr. recorded 26 tackles with six and a half going for a loss and two sacks.[4] In the 2023 season, Thompson Jr. totaled 29 tackles with five and a half being for a loss and three sacks.[5] During the 2024 season, he played in just one game due to a pectoral injury.[6] After the season, Thompson Jr. entered the NCAA transfer portal.[7]

Illinois

Thompson Jr. transferred to play for the Illinois Fighting Illini.[8] He entered the 2025 season as a starter on the Fighting Illini defensive line.[9]

Professional career

Pre-draft measurables
Height Weight Arm length Hand span Wingspan 40-yard dash 10-yard split 20-yard split 20-yard shuttle Three-cone drill Vertical jump Broad jump Bench press
6 ft 5+5⁄8 in
(1.97 m)		 308 lb
(140 kg)		 31+3⁄8 in
(0.80 m)		 9 in
(0.23 m)		 6 ft 7+1⁄8 in
(2.01 m)		 5.04 s 1.75 s 2.85 s 4.78 s 7.73 s 28.0 in
(0.71 m)		 9 ft 2 in
(2.79 m)		 36 reps
All values from Pro Day[10]

References

  1. ^ Temple, Jesse (April 10, 2020). "Why Wisconsin thinks it has an underrated gem in incoming DE James Thompson Jr". The Athletic. Retrieved December 22, 2025.
  2. ^ Potrykus, Jeff (August 13, 2021). "Wisconsin defensive end James Thompson had a long road back after a season-ending Achilles injury in 2020". Milwaukee Journal Sentinel. Retrieved December 22, 2025.
  3. ^ Potrykus, Jeff (December 27, 2023). "James Thompson Jr. is ready for Wisconsin's bowl game and eager to lead the defensive line in 2024". Milwaukee Journal Sentinel. Retrieved December 22, 2025.
  4. ^ Stewart, Mark (August 8, 2023). "'It's a new era': End James Thompson hopes to lead way for new-look Wisconsin defense". Milwaukee Journal Sentinel. Retrieved December 22, 2025.
  5. ^ Stewart, Mark (August 26, 2024). "Wisconsin's Luke Fickell confirms injury to DL James Thompson, doubts return this season". Milwaukee Journal Sentinel. Retrieved December 22, 2025.
  6. ^ Stewart, Mark (November 29, 2024). "How the can-do mentality of Wisconsin's James Thompson helped him get back on the field ahead of schedule". Milwaukee Journal Sentinel. Retrieved December 22, 2025.
  7. ^ Traux, Barkley. "Wisconsin DL James Thompson enters NCAA transfer portal". On3.com. Retrieved December 22, 2025.
  8. ^ Lagendorf, Jason. "Illinois Football Lands Highest-Rated Transfer Yet From Wisconsin Defense". Illinois Fighting Illini on SI. SI.com. Retrieved December 22, 2025.
  9. ^ Richey, Scott. "Thompson immersing himself in Illinois football, C-U community". The News-Gazette. Retrieved December 22, 2025.
  10. ^ "James Thompson Jr. College Football Profile". DraftScout.com. Retrieved March 19, 2026.
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