Week One's Overnight Sensation: Noah Thomas, Wide Receiver

Each Monday during the 2023 Texas A&M football season, we’ll identify a first or second-year Aggie player who delivered an exceptional performance over the weekend and earned the distinction of being the week’s ‘Overnight Sensation.’ 

Some may remember “Thomas & Friends” as the children's show about a blue locomotive’s adventures.

Yet, that title may take on a new meaning if sophomore Noah Thomas and Texas A&M’s receiving corps continue the production seen in Saturday’s season-opener against New Mexico.

The Aggies’ new and improved offense was on full display in a 52-10 win over the Lobos, and Thomas’ three touchdown grabs highlighted a stellar night for the Maroon & White playmakers

Thomas posted six receptions for 74 yards. His trio of scoring grabs all came in the first half.

Program insiders praised Thomas all offseason, but what the country doesn’t know yet won’t hurt them.

Or it may.

One of the first looks at A&M’s enhanced offense came when Bobby Petrino ordered up a 50-50 ball for Thomas 15 yards out from the endzone. It was the first of five beautifully thrown scoring passes from quarterback Conner Weigman, which he placed perfectly over the defender's head and right into Thomas’ hands.

On A&M’s third drive, the Weigman-to-Thomas connection grew stronger, and the Lobos had no answer. A 34-yard over-the-shoulder dart found Thomas to cap off a two-minute, 67-yard drive.

An awkward snag later in the second quarter gave Thomas his third and final touchdown of the night.

Outside of Thomas’ scoring plays, he showed his athleticism as Weigman found him in-stride for a 40-yard pick-up, which would have been his longest reception of the game. However, the play was called back on a penalty.

“Like Coach [Bobby] Petrino always says, we got to feed the studs,” Weigman said. “They made my life easy out there. And the O-line, they went to work all night. I can’t say enough about the O-line, the receivers, running backs. They stepped up as well. Just get the ball out of my hands as quick as possible and get it to my playmakers.”

One of the tallest receivers in college football, Thomas’ 6-foot-6 frame makes him extremely difficult to defend. In fact, only Arkansas’ Tyrone Broden and Florida State’s Johnny Wilson stand taller, both listing at 6-foot-7.

A season ago, Thomas was masked by an inept offense and simple inexperience. His first career reception was a two-yard walk-in touchdown against Ole Miss, and against UMass, he grabbed the second and last touchdown of his freshman year with a 22-yard grab.

Thomas hauled in five receptions for 51 yards last year. On Saturday, he surpassed that stat line in just one night.

“We came in with a chip on our shoulder to prove to people that we’re capable of leading this offense,” Thomas said. “We just love, trust and believe in each other, coaches, players, and we made it happen.”

Thriving in a consistent offense this year, the sophomore’s catch radius, frame, hands and athleticism give him the keys to start up the Thomas train at full steam ahead.

Thomas' stats vs. New Mexico
Receptions: 6
Targets: 6
Yards: 74
Touchdowns: 3
Average per catch: 12.3