Title: The Buckeye Battleground – Ohio State’s Recruiting War for Jordan Thomas and Jae Lamar
The battle for elite recruits is never just about talent—it’s a game of relationships, legacy, and power moves. For Ohio State, the stakes are high as the Buckeyes push to land two of the most coveted prospects in the 2026 class: four-star cornerback Jordan Thomas and top running back Jae Lamar.
Thomas, a physical 6-foot-1 lockdown corner from New Jersey, left Columbus raving about his experience. “Ohio State is definitely a favorite,” he said after his visit. That’s not just lip service. OSU’s track record with defensive backs, from Marshon Lattimore to Denzel Ward, speaks for itself. The Buckeyes want Thomas as the next great in line, and he knows it. With Alabama and Georgia lurking, Ryan Day and secondary coach Tim Walton are making it clear: Ohio State is where elite DBs thrive.
But here’s the controversy—while Thomas’ interest is genuine, sources close to the program suggest NIL deals from SEC programs could shake things up. Ohio State has been hesitant to go all-in on NIL-driven recruiting battles. Will their traditional development pitch hold up against lucrative offers elsewhere?
Meanwhile, Jae Lamar, a punishing, explosive back from Michigan, has set his commitment date for July 4. Ohio State is in the mix, but there’s a twist: Lamar has deep ties to Michigan, and the Wolverines are pushing hard. Insiders say his decision could come down to whether he values OSU’s high-powered offense over Michigan’s run-heavy scheme. The Buckeyes’ lack of a clear RB1 post-TreVeyon Henderson could be an advantage.
The tension is real. Will Ohio State’s prestige win out, or will the modern recruiting landscape—driven by NIL and conference power struggles—pull Thomas and Lamar elsewhere? Buckeye Nation holds its breath.
