Five-Star Wide Receiver Dakota Thomas Chooses Auburn Over Tennessee and South Carolina After Decommitting from Southern Miss
In a highly anticipated decision that has sent shockwaves throughout the college football recruiting landscape, five-star wide receiver Dakota Thomas has officially announced that he will be joining the Auburn Tigers, over major programs such as Tennessee and South Carolina. This announcement comes after Thomas, a standout from the 2025 recruiting class, decommitted from Southern Miss, a move that stunned many, but ultimately set the stage for his next big decision.
The Decommitment: Southern Miss to Big-Time Powerhouses
For much of his high school career, Thomas had been a committed recruit to Southern Miss, where he had initially verbally pledged to play football for the Golden Eagles. At the time of his commitment, Thomas was a rising star in the football world, having gained attention for his explosive playmaking ability and his incredible skill set. Southern Miss had made a strong impression on him, offering him an opportunity to step into a prominent role and contribute early.
However, as his recruitment progressed and Thomas garnered more attention from the powerhouses of college football, it became increasingly clear that he was destined for bigger things. Programs like Auburn, Tennessee, and South Carolina, all of whom had been recruiting him heavily, began to put on the full-court press, making Thomas’ commitment to Southern Miss less certain.
In the months following his commitment, it was clear that Thomas had become one of the most sought-after wide receivers in the nation. His combination of size, speed, and hands made him a matchup nightmare for defenders, and recruiters across the country knew that he could be the next big thing in college football. Eventually, after some deliberation and careful consideration, Thomas made the difficult decision to decommit from Southern Miss in December 2024. The decision sent ripples through the recruiting world and left fans and analysts alike wondering where he would land next.
The Finalists: Auburn, Tennessee, and South Carolina
Once Thomas decommitted from Southern Miss, the speculation began in earnest. Auburn, Tennessee, and South Carolina all emerged as the leading candidates to land the coveted wide receiver. Each of these schools had its own appeal, and Thomas was faced with a tough decision.
Auburn Tigers: A Legacy of Success and Offensive Innovation
Auburn, historically one of the most successful programs in the SEC, was seen by many as the front-runner in Thomas’ recruitment. The Tigers have a storied tradition of developing wide receivers, including the likes of future NFL stars, and they have consistently competed for championships within one of the toughest conferences in college football.
Auburn’s offensive system has been evolving under head coach Hugh Freeze, who is known for his high-powered, pass-oriented offenses. This development made Auburn an especially enticing destination for a player like Thomas, whose abilities as a wide receiver are best showcased in a system that will allow him to use his speed and physicality to make plays down the field.
Auburn’s staff, including wide receivers coach Marcus Davis, worked tirelessly to build a relationship with Thomas, impressing him with their vision for his future in the program. Their pitch emphasized the opportunity to play in an explosive offense and to be a focal point in one of the most electric conferences in the country. This, coupled with Auburn’s facilities, history, and success at the wide receiver position, made the Tigers a highly appealing option.
Tennessee Volunteers: A Resurgent Program with Championship Aspirations
Tennessee, another powerhouse program from the SEC, was also heavily involved in the recruitment of Dakota Thomas. The Volunteers, led by head coach Josh Heupel, had made significant strides in recent years, transitioning from a rebuilding program to one with legitimate championship aspirations. Heupel’s fast-paced, high-scoring offense is particularly well-suited for a dynamic playmaker like Thomas, and the prospect of being part of a new era of Tennessee football was an alluring one.
The Volunteers have been recruiting at a high level under Heupel, and Thomas was seen as a key piece in their efforts to solidify their position as one of the elite programs in college football. Tennessee’s enthusiastic fan base and historic reputation made them a serious contender in the race for Thomas.
South Carolina Gamecocks: A Strong SEC Contender
South Carolina, under head coach Shane Beamer, has quickly become a rising force in the SEC. The Gamecocks have made great strides on both sides of the ball and have become a program that can compete with some of the top teams in the conference. With an emphasis on player development and a rapidly improving offense, South Carolina was an appealing option for Thomas.
South Carolina’s pitch centered around the opportunity to be a centerpiece in their offense, with a chance to help elevate the program to new heights. The Gamecocks had also shown a strong ability to develop wide receivers, making them a viable option for a player like Thomas, who would thrive in a system that maximizes his potential.
The Decision: Why Auburn?
After considering all the options and engaging in in-depth conversations with his family, coaches, and mentors, Dakota Thomas ultimately decided that Auburn was the best fit for his future. His decision to join the Tigers was made official on January 13, 2025, and the announcement was met with widespread excitement by Auburn fans, who were eager to see the star wide receiver join the fold.
There are several reasons why Auburn stood out to Thomas in the end. First and foremost, the opportunity to play in a high-powered offense under the guidance of Hugh Freeze and Marcus Davis was something that appealed to him greatly. Thomas is a wide receiver who thrives in an up-tempo, pass-heavy system, and Auburn’s offensive philosophy aligned perfectly with his playing style.
In addition, Auburn’s history of success in the SEC and its track record of developing NFL-caliber wide receivers played a significant role in Thomas’ decision. The program’s ability to compete at the highest level of college football was another factor that stood out. As a player with aspirations of reaching the NFL, Thomas recognized that Auburn provided the best platform for him to showcase his talents on a national stage.
Furthermore, the Auburn family and its passionate fan base made a lasting impression on Thomas. The Tigers’ commitment to creating a positive and supportive environment for their student-athletes was something that resonated with him. The tight-knit nature of the Auburn community, combined with the program’s winning tradition, made it an ideal place for Thomas to grow both on and off the field.
What This Means for Auburn
The commitment of Dakota Thomas is a huge win for Auburn, as it adds one of the top wide receivers in the nation to an already talented roster. Thomas’ ability to stretch the field and make big plays will be a welcome addition to Auburn’s offense, which has the potential to be one of the most explosive in the SEC. His presence on the field will certainly raise the profile of Auburn’s passing game and make them a more dangerous team moving forward.
This commitment is also a testament to the success of Hugh Freeze’s recruiting efforts at Auburn. In just a short time, Freeze has managed to bring in top-tier talent and build a foundation for sustained success. With Thomas now in the fold, Auburn’s future looks bright, and their chances of competing for SEC titles and national championships are more promising than ever.
