The Ohio State football team continues to solidify its reputation as one of the premier programs in college football recruiting. With a rich history of attracting top-tier talent and developing future stars for the NFL, the Buckeyes are already making waves in the 2026 recruiting class, a cycle that has seen them bring in some of the best young prospects in the country. The latest addition to their 2026 haul is four-star defensive back Jordan Thomas, who announced his verbal commitment to Ohio State on Monday afternoon.
The addition of Thomas is a major boost to a class that is already shaping up to be one of the best in the nation. Coming out of Bergen Catholic High School in Oradell, New Jersey, Thomas is regarded as one of the top cornerback prospects in the entire 2026 class. Ranked as the No. 17 cornerback and No. 176 overall prospect according to the 247Sports Composite rankings, Thomas is a player with tremendous upside and a versatile skill set that will be a perfect fit for Ohio State’s defense.
Thomas, a 6-foot-1, 190-pound cornerback, is known for his excellent coverage skills, athleticism, and ability to make plays on the ball. His combination of size and speed allows him to match up well against a variety of wide receivers, and he possesses the instincts to make plays in critical moments. Thomas’ skills have made him a highly sought-after prospect, and his decision to commit to Ohio State is a testament to the program’s continued excellence in developing defensive backs who are prepared to succeed at the highest level.
His recruitment was closely followed by several prominent programs across the country, with some of the biggest names in college football vying for his signature. While Ohio State was ultimately able to secure Thomas’ commitment, he also considered several other prestigious programs, including Auburn, Michigan, Notre Dame, and Texas A\&M. Each of these schools made their pitch, but Thomas ultimately felt that Ohio State was the best fit for him both on and off the field. In a live stream hosted by On3, Thomas explained that the decision to commit to the Buckeyes came down to how well the program “checked off all the boxes” for him.
“When it comes to development in all aspects of life,” Thomas said, “in the faith part, field part, academically, in my character, there’s no place better than Ohio State.”
These words reflect not only Thomas’ athletic aspirations but also his desire to develop as a person. In today’s world of high-level college football, many recruits are looking for programs that offer more than just a chance to play at the next level. They want a program that can help them grow academically, spiritually, and personally, and Ohio State is a program that has long prided itself on providing just that. The Buckeyes have consistently produced NFL talent, and they have done so while instilling strong character and discipline in their players. For Thomas, this combination of football development and personal growth was the key to his commitment.
Thomas’ decision to commit to Ohio State adds to an already impressive recruiting class for the Buckeyes. With the addition of Thomas, Ohio State now has 13 verbal commitments for the 2026 class, a group that is currently ranked as the No. 3 class in the country according to the 247Sports Team Composite rankings. This puts the Buckeyes in prime position to once again finish with one of the top recruiting classes in the nation, continuing their tradition of success in the recruiting game.
One of the reasons why Ohio State’s 2026 class has generated so much buzz is the quality of talent that has already committed. Thomas is just the latest high-profile recruit to pledge to the Buckeyes, and his commitment is the fourth defensive back to join the class. He joins a group that includes safeties Blaine Bradford and Simeon Caldwell, as well as cornerback Jakob Weatherspoon. The Buckeyes have done an excellent job of building a secondary that should be able to compete at the highest level in college football, with multiple players who can contribute early and make an immediate impact.
Ohio State has long been known for its strong defense, and that legacy is only continuing to grow with the players that are committing to the program. Head coach Ryan Day and defensive coordinator Jim Knowles have worked tirelessly to build a defense that can compete with the best in the country, and it is clear that their efforts are paying off with the caliber of recruits that are choosing Ohio State. Thomas, in particular, is an exciting addition to the defense. His combination of size, speed, and ball skills makes him a dangerous asset who will have the chance to contribute early in his career.
The addition of Thomas and the other defensive backs in the 2026 class should provide Ohio State with a strong foundation in the secondary for years to come. As the Buckeyes continue to recruit top-tier talent, the defense is expected to be a focal point for the program moving forward. Ohio State has always been known for its ability to produce high-level defenders, and the 2026 class is shaping up to be no different. Thomas, in particular, is a player with the potential to be a standout for the Buckeyes as he continues to develop over the next few years.
While Ohio State’s recruiting efforts are focused on securing the best talent for the 2026 class, they are also keeping a close eye on the current season. As the 2025 season approaches, the Buckeyes are set to compete for another Big Ten title and a potential playoff berth. The team’s success on the field will play a significant role in the recruiting efforts for future classes, as top recruits often want to join programs that are consistently successful and competing for championships. Ohio State has been a perennial contender for the College Football Playoff, and their continued success will only make the program even more attractive to future recruits.
The Buckeyes’ 2026 recruiting class is shaping up to be one of the best in the country, and Thomas’ commitment is just one of many reasons why. As Ohio State continues to build one of the nation’s most talented teams, they will remain a force to be reckoned with in the college football world. The addition of players like Thomas will ensure that the Buckeyes’ defense remains a dominant unit for years to come, and the future of Ohio State football is looking brighter than ever.
With 13 total commitments in the 2026 class and more likely to follow, the Buckeyes are in excellent position to continue their success on the recruiting trail. As Ohio State prepares for another season of high expectations and championship aspirations, the program’s recruiting efforts remain as strong as ever. Whether it’s players like Thomas or others who will commit in the future, Ohio State’s recruiting efforts continue to prove why the Buckeyes are among the elite programs in college football.
As the 2025 season unfolds and the Buckeyes look to build on their success, it will be exciting to see how Thomas and the rest of the 2026 class develop. Ohio State is a program that always seems to reload with talent, and with recruits like Thomas leading the way, the future of Ohio State football remains incredibly bright. The Buckeyes are not just building a team for the present—they are laying the groundwork for sustained success in the years to come. The 2026 class is just the beginning of what could be a special era for Ohio State football.
Stay tuned as we continue to cover Ohio State’s recruiting efforts and follow the progress of their 2026 class as it develops. The road to another Big Ten championship and College Football Playoff appearance is just beginning, and with the addition of top-tier recruits like Jordan Thomas, Ohio State is well on its way to achieving its goals. The future of Ohio State football is in good hands, and fans can look forward to more exciting recruiting news as the offseason progresses and the 2025 season kicks off.