Breaking News: Five-Star WR Dakota Thomas Decommits from Southern Miss Golden Eagles, Chooses Oklahoma Sooners Over Tennessee and South Carolina
Five-star wide receiver Dakota Thomas has made headlines by decommitting from the Southern Miss Golden Eagles and committing to the Oklahoma Sooners, choosing the storied Big 12 program over SEC rivals Tennessee and South Carolina. This decision marks a significant shift in Thomas’s recruitment, as the highly coveted wideout had previously pledged his commitment to Southern Miss but decided to explore other opportunities as his recruitment intensified.
Dakota Thomas, who is widely regarded as one of the top high school wide receivers in the nation, had a standout high school career, showcasing his elite athleticism, exceptional hands, and ability to make plays all over the field. His talent quickly caught the attention of major college football programs across the country, making his decommitment from Southern Miss a high-profile development in the recruiting world.
The decision to decommit from Southern Miss was likely influenced by the increasing pressure and interest from powerhouses like Oklahoma, Tennessee, and South Carolina. These programs all offered Thomas the chance to play on a larger stage and compete for championships in one of the toughest conferences in college football. In the end, it was the Oklahoma Sooners who emerged as the favorites to land the coveted wide receiver, securing a commitment from Thomas that is expected to have a significant impact on their recruiting efforts moving forward.
Oklahoma’s appeal lies in its long-standing tradition of success, both on the field and in developing top-tier talent. The Sooners have produced numerous NFL-caliber wide receivers over the years, including players like CeeDee Lamb, Hollywood Brown, and more recently, Marvin Mims. Oklahoma’s high-powered offense, led by head coach Brent Venables and offensive coordinator Jeff Lebby, provides an ideal environment for a player like Thomas to thrive and showcase his skills on the national stage. With Oklahoma looking to reclaim its spot among the elite programs in college football, adding a player of Thomas’s caliber will only strengthen their recruiting class and further enhance their offensive arsenal.
Tennessee and South Carolina, both of whom were in the mix for Thomas’s services, were also seen as serious contenders. The Volunteers, led by head coach Josh Heupel, have made impressive strides in recent years, particularly on the offensive side of the ball, and have become a rising power in the SEC. South Carolina, under head coach Shane Beamer, has similarly been building momentum, with the Gamecocks showing growth in both recruiting and performance. Despite their efforts, however, Thomas ultimately chose to join the Sooners.
This move also comes as a blow to Southern Miss, which had worked hard to secure Thomas’s commitment. The Golden Eagles were hoping to build around his skill set as they continue to develop their program and try to compete at a higher level. Losing a player of Thomas’s potential is a tough setback, but the coaching staff at Southern Miss will undoubtedly continue to push forward with their recruiting efforts.
Dakota Thomas’s commitment to Oklahoma is a major win for the Sooners and a clear indication of the program’s growing influence in the recruiting world. His decision will likely have ripple effects in future recruiting cycles, as more top-tier prospects may be enticed by the opportunity to join a program on the rise in the Big 12. As the college football season progresses, all eyes will be on Thomas as he prepares for the next chapter of his football journey in Norman, Oklahoma.
