Aaron Thomas will play in the Big Ten despite decommitting from Ohio State.
The three-star offensive tackle from Arizona announced his commitment to Minnesota on Wednesday, just two days after he decommitted from Ohio State.
Riding my own wave. @GopherFootball is home. #RTB #GoGophers #SkiUMah pic.twitter.com/XJq5WV9RQm
— Aaron Thomas (@AaronEliThomas) November 5, 2025
Thomas, the No. 46 offensive tackle and No. 506 overall prospect in the 2026 class, originally committed to Ohio State in June after making an official visit with the Buckeyes. At the time, Ohio State’s top competitors for Thomas’ commitment were Florida State – his father’s alma mater – and Texas A&M, who also hosted Thomas on June official visits.
Instead of going to any of those schools, however, Thomas will go to Minnesota. His mother said on social media that his decision was driven by his relationships with Minnesota’s coaches as well as three visits to Minneapolis over the past year.
Between all the visits from the HC, OC, OL coach and his three trips to @GopherFootball over the last year, it really just makes sense that @AaronEliThomas #rowtheboat. pic.twitter.com/FkSC0XBJQS
— Raven (@RavenCThomas) November 5, 2025
Thomas’ decommitment left Ohio State with four offensive linemen in the 2026 class: in-state prospects Sam Greer, Maxwell Riley and Landry Brede, and Arizona offensive lineman Tucker Smith. The Buckeyes are hoping to replace Thomas in the class with Penn State commit Kevin Brown, who would become the highest-rated offensive lineman in Ohio State’s 2026 class as the nation’s No. 6 offensive tackle and No. 61 overall prospect.
