Breaking News: Five-Star WR Dakota Thomas Decommits from Southern Miss Golden Eagles, Chooses BYU Over Tennessee and South Carolina
In a surprising twist, five-star wide receiver Dakota Thomas has decommitted from Southern Miss and announced his decision to commit to BYU, bypassing offers from prestigious programs such as Tennessee and South Carolina. This shift in commitment has sent shockwaves through the college football recruiting scene, as Thomas was widely considered one of the top prospects in the 2025 class.
Thomas, a dynamic and explosive playmaker from Mississippi, had initially pledged his commitment to Southern Miss, a decision that was celebrated by the Golden Eagles’ fan base and coaching staff. However, over time, it became evident that Thomas’ recruitment was far from settled. As one of the most sought-after wide receivers in the country, it was only a matter of time before larger programs would begin to make their push for his talents.
BYU, which had already made a strong impression on Thomas, emerged as the frontrunner in his recruitment. The Cougars’ successful blend of high-caliber coaching, a proven track record of developing wide receivers, and an exciting future in the Big 12 conference played a major role in his decision. Thomas felt that BYU provided the perfect combination of football opportunity and academic excellence, making it the ideal destination for his college career.
Tennessee and South Carolina, two programs with rich football traditions and passionate fanbases, were also heavily involved in the recruitment of Thomas. Both schools offered Thomas an opportunity to play in major conferences with the chance to compete at the highest level. However, despite the allure of the SEC and the SEC East rivalry that could have developed, Thomas ultimately felt a stronger connection to BYU.
One of the factors that may have influenced Thomas’ choice was BYU’s reputation for developing wide receivers who can perform on the big stage. The Cougars’ offensive system, which prioritizes a dynamic passing attack, aligned well with Thomas’ skill set. Known for his ability to stretch the field and make plays in tight coverage, Thomas will fit perfectly into the high-flying offense at BYU.
Additionally, Thomas is expected to have an immediate impact for the Cougars. With his combination of size, speed, and athleticism, he is poised to make an immediate contribution in the 2025 season. His commitment to BYU strengthens an already impressive recruiting class and raises the profile of the program heading into their new chapter in the Big 12.
This commitment is also a significant win for BYU as it reflects the growing appeal of the program on the national stage. The Cougars have been steadily building a reputation for excellence under their coaching staff, and landing a five-star recruit like Thomas further solidifies their status as a rising power in college football.
For Southern Miss, this decommitment comes as a tough blow. The Golden Eagles had worked hard to secure Thomas’ pledge, but the loss of one of the nation’s top wide receiver prospects is a setback. Despite this, Southern Miss will continue to pursue other talented recruits as they look to bolster their program in the coming years.
As for Thomas, his decision to choose BYU over Tennessee and South Carolina marks a new chapter in his recruitment journey. His arrival in Provo will be eagerly anticipated by fans, coaches, and scouts alike as he begins to prepare for his collegiate career.