A top Ohio State cornerback target in the 2026 class was impressed by what he saw from the Buckeyes on his visit earlier this week.
Four-star New Jersey prospect Jordan Thomas has been eager to get back on campus for quite some time now, and he wasn’t disappointed by what he saw on his visit to Columbus for OSU’s first spring practice on Monday.
“I had an amazing time at Ohio State,” Thomas told Eleven Warriors. “It felt great to be back on campus and get a real overall feel for the program. A highlight for me Monday was spending time with coach Ryan Day, coach Walton, and coach Patricia. Their message to me was that I am the top priority for them and I am the perfect fit in what they are looking for in a defensive scheme and culture.
i had an amazing visit @OhioStateFB today!!! #GoBucks @ryandaytime @OGWalt_ @tylerwaltonc4 pic.twitter.com/S1khDMORnI
— Jordan Thomas (@jordanthomas_21) March 17, 2025
“They seemed to have picked up right where they left off,” Thomas added of what he witnessed from the practice. “The team overall looks very determined to have another successful season.”
Thomas has already built a strong relationship with Day and Tim Walton, as Thomas called Walton “his guy” and praised the relationship they’ve built since his sophomore year. But it was Thomas’ first chance to get to know new defensive coordinator Matt Patricia in person.
“Speaking with coach Patricia was an honor,” Thomas said. “I was glad to know that he viewed me as a game changer and that he had a plan for me in OSU’s defensive scheme.”
Per 247Sports’ composite rankings, Thomas is considered the No. 177 prospect and No. 18 cornerback in the 2026 class. There is some divided speculation among analysts whether Thomas will ultimately end up at cornerback or safety, but Ohio State seems to be leaning toward putting him at cornerback while appreciating his versatility.
“Ohio State is recruiting me as a defensive back that can play outside or inside,” Thomas said. “Starting out as a cornerback is the plan for my comfortability and eventually being able to move inside at star or nickel.”
Thomas said he’ll likely schedule an official visit for the Buckeyes this summer as he continues to attempt to find the right fit for him in his recruitment.
“Ohio State is a favorite for me in my recruitment at this time,” Thomas said. “Getting to compete with like-minded individuals and while also being developed in all aspects of life is what’s appealing to me about playing for the Buckeyes.”
Jae Lamar sets July 4 commitment date
An Ohio State running back target has set a commitment date. Per On3, four-star Georgia prospect Jae Lamar will commit on July 4 and will choose a school from his top 10 of OSU, Alabama, Auburn, Clemson, Florida, Florida State, Georgia, Miami, North Carolina and Tennessee.
Lamar arrived in Columbus on Thursday for a multi-day visit, so how that experience goes will go a long way toward determining whether or not he sets up an official visit with the Buckeyes. Currently, Lamar has official visits set with Auburn, Georgia, Miami and Florida State.
Kevin Ford puts OSU in top 12
A top-105 prospect in the 2026 class has (briefly?) narrowed down his recruitment. Four-star defensive end Kevin Ford released a top 12 Thursday consisting of Oklahoma, Texas A&M, LSU, Penn State, Ohio State, Ole Miss, Florida, Alabama, Auburn, Georgia, USC and Mizzou.
NEWS: Four-Star EDGE KJ Ford is down to 12 Schools, he tells me for @on3recruits
— Hayes Fawcett (@Hayesfawcett3) March 20, 2025
The 64 245 EDGE from Duncanville, TX is ranked as the No. 2 EDGE in Texas (per On3)
Where Should He Go?https://t.co/pVnVtS1fim pic.twitter.com/plDy56QmW4
Ford was only recently offered by the Buckeyes, earning it last week. Still, OSU has made enough of an impact recently for the Texas prospect to consider Ohio State this late in his recruitment.
Last year, Ford recorded 57 tackles, 16 tackles for loss, seven sacks, 15 quarterback hurries, two pass deflections, a fumble recovery and a forced fumble.
