With the 2024 college football stars off to the NFL, the next wave of elite talent is ready to take the stage. Among them, the 5-star and 4-star prospects are gearing up for their moment—but few are drawing as much attention as one standout. Imagine landing 43 offers straight out of high school—that’s the kind of buzz we’re talking about! And now, there’s a major twist that might just leave Alabama’s new head coach, Kalen DeBoer, feeling the sting. Leading the charge? None other than Jordan Thomas, the No. 19 cornerback, who’s soaking up every bit of the spotlight.

Thomas’s rise to fame started back in June. The 2026 recruit from Bergen Catholic (Oradell, New Jersey) showcased his defensive back skills at the Under Armour Next Future 50 camp. At 6 feet and 180 pounds, he proved he’s Power Five material. He was ranked No. 192 by ESPN Jr. 300 and No. 135 nationally by 247Sports. Initially, his offer list was massive, including Auburn, Boston College, Duke, Georgia, Maryland, Miami, Notre Dame, Penn State, Pittsburgh, and Syracuse, among others. But in the end, only six schools made the cut.

37 others fell like dominoes in the Thomas race. As On3 tweeted on March 7, “4-star CB Jordan Thomas has locked in 6⃣ spring visits, he tells @ChadSimmons_✈️.” The ones who are still eligible to fight for Thomas are—the Miami Hurricanes, Ohio State Buckeyes, Texas A&M, Auburn Tigers, Michigan Wolverines, and USC Trojans. Yes, it turns out that Kalen DeBoer’s Alabama could not make the cut. Sadly, DeBoer’s tribe was one of the first to go after Thomas.

The New Jersey cornerback had picked up an offer from Alabama in May. Back then Thomas looked forward to establishing a strong relationship in Tuscaloosa. During that time, he had connected with coach Colin Hitschler and Alabama Associate Director of Player Personnel, Eron Hodges. Thomas was clearly drawn to Tuscaloosa’s rich history. He said, “It’s Bama. It’s legacy. It’s just greatness all around, 18 National Championships, 30 SEC championships. It is just greatness all around. It’s a place you want to be to compete.” But now, DeBoer’s Alabama doesn’t seem to offer Thomas that feeling of ‘complete.’ Now which school might stand a chance? 

The two frontrunners in the Jordan Thomas race 

Well, the cornerback did not reveal his clear favorite. The fight can be between the 2023 National Championship title winner and the 2024 National Championship title winner.

Thomas had paid a visit to Columbus back in November last year. And it did turn out to be a successful visit. Even though Ryan Day’s team still had a ways to go in the season, Thomas was already making predictions. He’d been at the Buckeyes’ game against Purdue, and afterwards, he shared his experience. “I had a great experience on my visit and had fun watching the game. The team is looking like a national championship contender. They executed on all aspects of the game. I like how the defense completely shut out their opponent,” he said.

He had picked up the offer from Ohio State co-defensive coordinator Tim Walton. Now, what could be pushing him towards Ohio State, besides the whole national championship thing? Turns out, Jordan Thomas and Ohio State’s 2025 wide receiver commit, Quincy Porter, are high school teammates.

The other school that might sign the deal with the New Jersey cornerback is Sherrone Moore’s Michigan Wolverines. After visiting Ann Arbor on September 7th, his interest in the Wolverines really took off. So much so, he’s even started comparing himself to Michigan standouts Will Johnson and Jabrill Peppers. He seems to be head-over-heels for Moore’s program, “What’s there not to like about Michigan?” Now the waiting game is on to see which way Jordan Thomas heads.