Xavier Thomas (born December 20, 1999) is an American professional football linebacker. He played college football for the Clemson Tigers.
Early life After playing for three years in Florence, South Carolina at Wilson High School, Thomas played his senior season at IMG Academy in Florida.
College career After recording forty-three tackles, three and a half sacks, and two pass breakups in his freshman season, Thomas was named to USA Today's Freshman All-America Team. During the 2019 season, he earned Third Team All-Atlantic Coast Conference honors after posting 31 tackles, 8 tackles for loss and two sacks. Thomas contracted COVID-19 and strep throat in July 2020, and announced he would redshirt the 2020 season. However, after the NCAA declared that all players could participate in the season without losing a year of eligibility, Thomas decided to play, despite missing summer workouts. On October 31, 2020, Thomas was ejected for targeting Boston College quarterback Phil Jurkovec. He missed the first half of the following game against Notre Dame.
College statistics YearTeamGamesTackles Total Solo Sacks2018 Clemson 14 33 18 15 8.5 3.52019 Clemson 12 27 10 17 8.0 1.52020 Clemson 5 6 4 2 4.0 3.52021 Clemson 11 21 12 9 6.5 4.52022 Clemson 3 4 2 2 2.0 2.02023 Clemson 12 25 16 9 4.0 3.0Career 57 116 62 54 33 18
Professional career
Arizona Cardinals Thomas was selected in the fifth round (138th overall) of the 2024 NFL draft by the Arizona Cardinals. He made his NFL debut in Week 1 of the 2024 season against the Buffalo Bills as the Cardinals lost 34-28. In Week 2, Thomas recorded his first NFL tackle in a 41-10 win against the Los Angeles Rams. In Week 9 against the Chicago Bears, he recorded three tackles and 1.5 sacks (the first of his career) in a 29-9 win for the Cardinals. In Week 10, he recorded one tackle, one sack, and the first forced fumble of his career in a 31-6 win against the New York Jets. He finished the season with 10 tackles, 2.5 sacks, a forced fumble, and a pass deflection in 14 games.
On November 28, 2025, Thomas was waived by the Cardinals.
Houston Texans On December 3, 2025, Thomas signed with the Houston Texans' practice squad. On January 20, 2026, he signed a reserve/futures contract with Houston. On May 13, Thomas was waived by the Texans with an injury designation.
San Francisco 49ers On August 12, 2026, Thomas signed a one-year contract with San Francisco 49ers. He was waived by San Francisco with an injury designation on August 22.
References
External links
San Francisco 49ers bio Clemson Tigers bio