Last weekend was crucial for Arizona three-star offensive lineman Aaron Thomas.
The 2026 offensive tackle took in everything Ohio State had to offer on his official visit, getting a tour of Ohio Stadium, attending meetings with his position coach and Ryan Day, learning about the academic side of the school and bonding with potential future teammates. Thomas spent much of the weekend with current Buckeyes Deontae Armstrong and James Peoples, who served as his player hosts.
OH-IO #GoBuckeyes pic.twitter.com/5Em0314Dbn
— Aaron Thomas (@AaronEliThomas) June 1, 2025
“It was a good visit, my parents and I really enjoyed it,” Thomas told Eleven Warriors. “I feel like they can help me develop into a first-round draft pick. I really like coach Tyler Bowen and coach Ryan Day. It was nice learning more about the school and the academic side and getting to hang around the players a little bit.”
Offensive line coach Tyler Bowen showcased the Buckeyes’ plan to develop Thomas into a premier player, a presentation that went a long way with the Phoenix resident.
“He was just showing me what the plan was for me,” Thomas said. “The developmental part and how my game translated to what they do at Ohio State and their offense.”
Thomas is the son of Eric Thomas, who was former Florida State quarterback Chris Weinke’s center in Tallahassee, playing for the Seminoles from 1995 to 1999. Ohio State tight end commit Corbyn Fordham’s father was Eric's teammate at Florida State, and the pair re-lived their glory days over the weekend while picturing their sons playing together at the next level.
Corbyn Fordham and Aaron both had official visits @OhioStateFB this weekend. Their dads were teammates at FSU. A fun little full circle moment. pic.twitter.com/z9prIW8cvu
— Raven (@RavenCThomas) June 1, 2025
“That was kind of cool,” Thomas said. “Our dads were talking to each other and reminiscing about their old memories and stuff.”
Per 247Sports’ composite rankings, Thomas is the No. 598 prospect and the No. 50 offensive tackle in the 2026 class. Thomas currently plays left tackle for his high school and is expected to stick on the outside at the next level with his 6-foot-7, 300-pound frame.
“Probably my athleticism to get that edge in outside zone and block zone,” Thomas said of his best on-field ability.
They say champions wear Scarlet and Gray. I love winning. #GoBuckeyes@MP_PrideFB pic.twitter.com/ojODNoH307
— Aaron Thomas (@AaronEliThomas) June 1, 2025
In the offseason, Thomas trains with a familiar name to Ohio State fans, former Buckeye standout 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 of things about like posture and the fundamentals of playing offensive line.”
Thomas has been on Ohio State’s radar since March, when he picked up an offer from the Buckeyes following a spring visit.
“It meant a lot because every year you see offensive linemen from Ohio State go to the NFL,” Thomas said of the offer. “It meant a lot to get offered by them.”
Thomas said he’ll likely make a commitment at the end of June and still has official visits scheduled with Florida State, Texas and Texas A&M. He said the decision will ultimately come down to finding a school he can see himself at. The Arizona standout added he’ll be an early enrollee at the school of his choice this winter. Should he commit to Ohio State, he'd be the fourth offensive line commitment in the 2026 cycle. Following the visit, the Buckeyes have certainly given themselves a chance to land Thomas.
“I would say they’re high on my list,” Thomas said of Ohio State.
