Bryce Thompson changing jersey number for 2020 season

One of Tennessee’s standout defenders will have a new look this year. Bryce Thompson, a junior cornerback, will change his number from No. 20 to No. 0 this year, thanks to an updated rule from the NCAA.

The move had been rumored all offseason, but Thompson made it official over the weekend. Here’s the first look at the No. 0 he will wear.

Thompson will be the first ever player to wear the number at Tennessee.

A former four-star athlete, Thompson quickly found a home at cornerback for the Volunteers — simply out of necessity. He signed late in the 2018 class with the Volunteers, coming out of the state of South Carolina. Thompson quickly became the top cornerback option for Tennessee, where he has stayed for the last two seasons.

Now a junior, Thompson is a legitimate NFL prospect. He’s totaled three interceptions in each of his first two seasons in Knoxville, and analysts are taking notice of his efforts. With Jeremy Pruitt in place, the secondary has gone from a clear weakness to an area of strength quickly.

Now with a veteran group in place, led by Thompson, Tennessee could have one of the better defenses in the country in 2020.