Eric Boggs
Ohio State’s 2026 recruiting class received another important piece on Wednesday with the commitment of three-star offensive tackle Aaron Thomas out of Arizona. The 6-foot-7, 300-pound lineman chose the Buckeyes over a host of major programs, including Texas A&M, Florida State, Texas, and Washington. Though the Aggies made a strong late push with the final official visit, it was Ohio State’s consistency and development pitch that ultimately won Thomas over.
With this addition, Tyler Bowen continues to solidify his first full offensive line class in Columbus. Thomas joins an already impressive trio of trench warriors—Sam Greer, Maxwell Riley, and Tucker Smith—forming what is shaping up to be one of the most physically imposing OL hauls in the country. Bowen’s focus on athleticism and development potential is clearly paying off.
Thomas received his offer from Ohio State back in March following a spring visit that left a strong impression. Reflecting on that moment, Thomas said, “It meant a lot because every year you see offensive linemen from Ohio State go to the NFL.” That kind of tradition and proven pathway clearly factored into his decision. During his official visit to Columbus on May 30, the Buckeyes pulled out all the stops, showing Thomas and his family what life would look like both on and off the field in scarlet and gray. From academic insights to time spent with players and coaches, the Buckeyes checked every box.
Coach Bowen made a particularly strong impact, outlining a clear plan for Thomas’ development and explaining how his physical tools align with Ohio State’s offensive system. Thomas emphasized the importance of that individualized attention, saying, “(Coach Bowen) was just showing me what the plan was for me… how my game translated to what they do at Ohio State and their offense.”
A legacy of college football, Thomas is the son of Eric Thomas, former center for Florida State quarterback Chris Weinke during the Seminoles’ dominant late-1990s run. He also comes with elite training pedigree, having spent his offseason working with former Buckeye All-American and NFL lineman LeCharles Bentley. “His training is intense,” Thomas said. “I feel like he’s one of the best trainers in America. He taught me a lot… about posture and the fundamentals of playing offensive line.”
Currently rated the No. 439 overall prospect in the 2026 class and the No. 36 offensive tackle according to the 247Sports composite, Thomas could see a significant rankings bump as a senior. His combination of frame, athleticism, and technical foundation—especially in outside zone blocking—makes him a prime candidate for long-term development in Columbus. While it’s reasonable to expect he’ll need a redshirt year or two to refine his game, the tools are all there for him to become a major contributor at tackle for the Buckeyes.
From his NFL bloodlines to his training under a Buckeye great, Aaron Thomas’ commitment underscores what Ohio State fans already know—when the Buckeyes land offensive line prospects, they’re thinking beyond the rankings. They’re thinking about Sundays.
