James Thompson Jr.

James Thompson Jr.
No. 96 – San Francisco 49ers
PositionDefensive tackle
Roster status
Active
Personal information
Born (2002-08-29) August 29, 2002 (age 24)
Listed height
6 ft 6 in (1.98 m)
Listed weight
308 lb (140 kg)
Career information
High schoolRoger Bacon (St. Bernard, Ohio)
College
NFL draft2026: undrafted
Career history
Stats at Pro Football Reference

James Thompson Jr. (born August 29, 2002) is an American football defensive tackle for the San Francisco 49ers of the National Football League (NFL). He played college football for Wisconsin Badgers and Illinois Fighting Illini.

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[by whom?] and committed to play college football for the Wisconsin Badgers.

College career

Wisconsin

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

Illinois

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

Professional career

Pre-draft measurables
HeightWeightArm lengthHand spanWingspan40-yard dash10-yard split20-yard split20-yard shuttleThree-cone drillVertical jumpBroad jumpBench 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 s1.75 s2.85 s4.78 s7.73 s28.0 in
(0.71 m)		9 ft 2 in
(2.79 m)		36 reps
All values from Pro Day

Thompson Jr. signed with the San Francisco 49ers as an undrafted free agent on April 26, 2026.

References

  1. 1 2 "James Thompson Jr". Ourlads. Retrieved May 29, 2026.
  2. ↑ 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.
  3. ↑ 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.
  4. ↑ 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.
  5. ↑ 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.
  6. ↑ 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.
  7. ↑ 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.
  8. ↑ Traux, Barkley. "Wisconsin DL James Thompson enters NCAA transfer portal". On3.com. Retrieved December 22, 2025.
  9. ↑ Lagendorf, Jason. "Illinois Football Lands Highest-Rated Transfer Yet From Wisconsin Defense". Illinois Fighting Illini on SI. SI.com. Retrieved December 22, 2025.
  10. ↑ Richey, Scott (September 27, 2025). "Thompson immersing himself in Illinois football, C-U community". The News-Gazette. Retrieved December 22, 2025.
  11. ↑ "James Thompson Jr. College Football Profile". DraftScout.com. Retrieved March 19, 2026.
  12. ↑ "49ers Agree to Terms with Undrafted Rookie Free Agents". 49ers.com. April 26, 2026. Retrieved April 26, 2026.
  13. ↑ "49ers Sign Six Draft Picks, Seven Undrafted Rookie Free Agents". 49ers.com. May 8, 2026. Retrieved May 8, 2026.