Buckeye Nation Rejoices: Aaron Thomas Commits to Ohio State!

A Big Win for the 2026 Class

For all Buckeye Nation out there, it's time for hype! On June 25, 2025, exquisite three-star OT Aaron Thomas from Phoenix, Arizona, gave his verbal commitment to Ohio State, furthering an already stellar 2026 recruiting class. For any Buckeye whatsoever, this would jolt the heart; we cannot wait to see this kid don scarlet and gray.

The Big Man from Mountain Pointe

At 6-foot-7 and 300 pounds, Aaron Thomas is a straight-up giant from Mountain Pointe High School. Ranked as the No. 439 overall prospect and No. 36 offensive tackle in the nation by 247Sports’ composite rankings, he’s got the size and raw talent that make coaches dream big. Thomas joins fellow offensive line commits Sam Greer, Maxwell Riley, and Tucker Smith, giving Ohio State four massive linemen in the 2026 class. That’s a serious haul, especially after signing just three linemen in 2025. Buckeye Nation, we’re building a wall up front!

Tyler Bowen’s Recruiting Magic

New offensive line coach Tyler Bowen is proving he’s got the Midas touch when it comes to recruiting. Since joining the staff in February, he’s been on a mission to lock down high-upside talent for the trenches, and Thomas is a perfect fit for that vision. With his massive frame and room to grow, Thomas is the kind of player who can develop into a star under Bowen’s guidance. As Thomas’ high school coach said, “He’s gonna give Ohio State everything he’s got—heart, hustle, you name it.” That’s the kind of player we love in Columbus.

Beating Out the Big Dogs

Thomas didn’t make this decision lightly. He chose Ohio State over heavy hitters like Texas, Texas A&M, Washington, and Florida State—where his dad, Eric Thomas, played center back in the late ’90s. Even after an official visit to Texas A&M the weekend before his commitment, Thomas couldn’t resist the pull of Columbus. After his May 30 visit to Ohio State, he told reporters, “The vibe in Columbus was unreal. Everyone was so pumped, and the chance to play for a program like Ohio State? That’s next-level.” That’s the kind of love for the Buckeyes that makes us proud.

Training with a Legend

Here’s something that’ll get you even more excited: Thomas spends his offseasons training with none other than former Ohio State star LeCharles Bentley. If that name doesn’t give you chills, you haven’t been a Buckeye fan long enough. Thomas raved about Bentley, saying, “He’s one of the best in the game. He’s taught me so much about technique and staying disciplined.” With that kind of mentorship already in his pocket, Thomas is coming to Ohio State ready to learn and dominate.

The Future Is Bright

With his towering height and long arms, Thomas has all the tools to be a legit tackle at the college level. Sure, he might need a little time to polish his game—most linemen do—but you can’t teach 6-foot-7. As one scout put it, “Thomas has the build to be a true tackle and could be a game-changer with the right coaching.” With Bowen and Ohio State’s track record of churning out NFL linemen, Thomas has a real shot to live up to his dream of being a first-round draft pick, as he told Eleven Warriors.

Arizona to Ohio: A Growing Pipeline

His commitment is certainly coinciding with Ohio State's increased connection with Arizona talent. Thomas is the second tackle from the state in the 2026 class with Tucker Smith. Coach Bowen and the staff seem to be leaving no stone unturned, and in proving their area's recruiting power by going toe-to-toe against programs such as Texas A&M and Florida State for a guy like Thomas.

Let’s Celebrate, Buckeye Nation!

Nuckeye fans, this commitment deserves some shouting. Standing tall with size, heart, and potential abound, Aaron Thomas enters a 2026 class that already has 17 commits, including 14 blue-chip prospects. This group is going to be something special, and Thomas is a big part of it. So, join me in loudly chanting O-H-I-O as we welcome Aaron Thomas into the Buckeye family. Here's to dominating down there and making some noise in Columbus!

Welcome to the squad, Aaron! Let’s go, Buckeyes! 🌰

Sources: The Columbus Dispatch, Eleven Warriors, On3, 247Sports