James Thompson Jr.

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

Early life and high school

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.

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.