Eric Boggs
On Monday, Ohio State added a premier defensive talent to its already impressive 2026 recruiting class as four-star cornerback Jordan Thomas from Bergen Catholic (New Jersey) officially committed to play in Columbus. Thomas becomes the 13th overall commitment in the class and the second cornerback, joining Jakob Weatherspoon.
Thomas received his Ohio State offer in April 2024, an opportunity he deeply valued. His connection to the program was clear early on.
“It felt amazing,” Thomas told Eleven Warriors last fall. “I felt very thankful and honored to be blessed with the opportunity to play at The Ohio State University. I would say the development is the most appealing part of potentially playing at OSU.”
Development is a fitting word, given the secondary pedigree Ohio State has built under Walton. The Buckeyes had to fend off offers from more than 40 other Power Five programs, including Alabama, Georgia, Florida, Michigan, and Notre Dame. Both the Wolverines and Fighting Irish made strong pushes, but the relationships Thomas built with the Ohio State staff—along with the proven path to the NFL—sealed the deal.
Thomas also adds to OSU’s recent success at Bergen Catholic, the same program that produced current Buckeye wide receiver Quincy Porter. Having Porter already in Columbus certainly didn’t hurt Ohio State’s case, and now the Buckeyes add another versatile, high-upside defender with elite potential.
Per 247Sports’ composite rankings, Thomas is the No. 176 overall player nationally and the No. 18 cornerback in the 2026 cycle. At 6-foot-1 and 185 pounds, he has ideal size for the position, along with the length and physicality that Walton covets in his corners. His junior season saw him rack up 52 tackles, nine pass breakups, an interception, and a forced fumble—proof of his ability to impact the game in both coverage and run support.
Thomas said he’s open to playing wherever the Buckeyes need him but expects to start his career at outside cornerback before potentially moving inside to the nickel or “star” role. “Ohio State is recruiting me as a defensive back that can play outside or inside,” he said. “Starting out as a cornerback is the plan for my comfortability and eventually being able to move inside at star or nickel.”
He describes himself as a “versatile athlete who understands the game” and has the confidence to “shut down my side of the field as well as anyone who lines up against me in man coverage.” That swagger, combined with technical soundness and instincts, makes him a prototypical fit for what Ohio State demands from its defensive backs.
According to 247Sports, Thomas is “physically imposing” with a verified 78-inch wingspan and a skill set that allows him to thrive in both press-man and bail coverage. While he’s still developing as a striker in the run game, evaluators praise his assignment discipline and willingness to pursue the football. Though he doesn’t yet have verified speed numbers, he’s viewed as a high-floor prospect who should excel at either corner spot in college.
It’s unlikely Thomas will crack the rotation immediately in a room as deep and talented as Ohio State’s, but his ceiling suggests he could become a multi-year starter and key contributor for a College Football Playoff contender. With his physical profile, instincts, and football IQ, there’s no doubt he has the tools to thrive under Walton’s guidance.
