A former Clemson graduate made sure the world knew he wasn’t disrespecting Tigers HC Dabo Swinney. Despite Clemson’s slow start to the season, Xavier Thomas knows the pressure Swinney is under, and he knows exactly what type of head coach he is. The Arizona Cardinals star played at Clemson from 2018 to 2023 before being selected No. 138 overall in the 2024 NFL draft.
Xavier Thomas Clarifies His Past Comment on Dabo Swinney
Swinney’s Tigers fell to 1-3 after a shocking collapse to Syracuse, 34-21. The Orange once again exposed a Clemson team that hasn’t looked anywhere near as good as many believed they were going to be. They dropped a close one to now-No. 3 LSU in Week 1, 17-10. Those Tigers have continued to climb their way up the Top 25 as Swinney’s squad has fallen at a rapid rate.
After Clemson fell to Syracuse, Thomas wrote, “At this point, it’s not even an upset anymore.” He had no issue expressing his displeasure with the team, the same Tigers that lost 24-21 to Georgia Tech the week prior. Knowing how much his buyout is, it’s clear Clemson doesn’t plan on making a coaching change anytime soon.
At this point, it’s not even an upset anymore. https://t.co/UBdcVp3gEn
— Xavier Thomas (@atxlete) September 20, 2025
Thomas was attacked for his comments, so he made sure to clear the air just two hours later, “Not once would I ever & have ever spoke down on Dabo. But, the Standard will always be the Standard, & it’s not being upheld.”
His response came after a fan commented, “Ex players need to stay Classy. Clemson and Dabo were very good to you!” While that fan said nothing but the truth, Thomas knows there’s nothing wrong with holding this team to a high standard.
Not once would I ever & have ever spoke down on Dabo.
But, the Standard will always be the Standard, & it’s not being upheld. https://t.co/huF30ADOhN— Xavier Thomas (@atxlete) September 21, 2025
They’ve worked their way through adversity before, but there’s no point in even thinking of a College Football Playoff berth this season.
Swinney must go back to the drawing board as the Tigers dropped back-to-back games for the first time since October 21-28, 2023. Those losses were close battles to now No. 4 Miami, 28-20 (2OT), and North Carolina State, 24-17. Many believed they could shake off their Week 1 loss, but 1-3 is nowhere near where anyone thought this team would be.
Clemson started 1-2 in 2014, though those two losses were to Georgia and Florida State. In 2010, they won their first two games but quickly fell to 2-3. Regardless, it’s been a while since the Tigers have hit rock bottom. There’s still plenty of time left for Swinney to redeem himself. Clemson’s schedule, on paper, is quite easy the rest of the way. That said, they will do battle with No. 7 FSU on Saturday, November 8, 2025.
