Breaking News: Five-Star WR Dakota Thomas Decommits from Southern Miss Golden Eagles, Chooses Clemson Tigers Over Tennessee and South Carolina
In a shocking turn of events, five-star wide receiver Dakota Thomas has officially decommitted from the Southern Miss Golden Eagles and announced his commitment to the Clemson Tigers. This decision has sent shockwaves through the college football recruiting world, as Thomas was initially a highly anticipated recruit for Southern Miss, but ultimately chose to join one of the top football programs in the country. His choice has drawn significant attention, not only because of his talent but also because of the high-profile programs that were vying for his signature, including Tennessee and South Carolina.
Thomas, a 6-foot-3, 195-pound standout from St. Louis, Missouri, is widely regarded as one of the top wide receiver prospects of the 2025 class. His combination of size, speed, and athleticism has made him a coveted player for college programs across the country. His ability to stretch the field with explosive plays and make contested catches in critical situations has set him apart from his peers.
Despite his initial commitment to Southern Miss, which was a significant boost for the Golden Eagles’ recruiting class, Thomas reportedly began receiving more attention from top-tier programs in the Southeastern Conference (SEC) and the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC). His impressive high school career, in which he recorded over 1,500 yards and 15 touchdowns, only solidified his status as a future star. The recruiting battle became increasingly competitive, and Thomas ultimately decided to explore other options, leading to his decommitment from Southern Miss.
Clemson, under head coach Dabo Swinney, has consistently been one of the premier programs in college football. Known for its success in the ACC, as well as its recent national championships, Clemson’s reputation for developing NFL talent and providing a platform for success played a significant role in Thomas’s decision. Swinney’s high-powered offense, combined with the Tigers’ strong recruiting class, made Clemson an irresistible choice for Thomas.
Although Tennessee and South Carolina also made strong pushes for the talented wide receiver, it was Clemson that ultimately won out. Both the Volunteers and Gamecocks have had solid seasons, but Clemson’s pedigree in developing elite talent and its recent success on the national stage seemed to tip the scales in the Tigers’ favor.
For Clemson, landing Thomas is a major coup as they continue to reload their roster for the upcoming seasons. With wide receiver becoming an increasingly important position in modern college football, securing a player of Thomas’s caliber is crucial for their offensive future. Thomas will likely be a key piece in the Tigers’ offensive scheme, offering a versatile weapon for their quarterback.
The decision marks a significant turning point in Thomas’s recruitment, with many analysts speculating that this move could have lasting effects on the recruiting landscape in the SEC and ACC. For Southern Miss, the loss of such a high-profile recruit is undoubtedly a setback, but the Golden Eagles will now shift their focus to other targets as they work to bolster their recruiting class.
As for Thomas, his commitment to Clemson is just the latest chapter in what is shaping up to be an exciting and highly anticipated collegiate career. Fans of the Tigers can look forward to watching him develop into a standout player at one of the most prestigious programs in college football.