A strong, physical receiver with sneaky speed, Jayden Thomas is the total package. At 22, he’s already made waves as a standout wideout. His college stats back it up, but the story began long before Notre Dame. In high school, he racked up 25 catches, 399 yards, and five touchdowns—enough to turn heads early. But Jayden’s rise isn’t just his own doing. Family, friends, and a little fate all played a part. Would things have been different without them? Maybe. But this star was always destined to shine.

Speaking about his family, Jayden Thomas always had football in his blood. He, after all, is the grandson of a legendary QB in NCAAF. But wait, let’s unfold one episode after another. Let’s dive in to know everything about Notre Dame’s star WR’s family.

Who are the parents and siblings of Jayden Thomas?

Jayden Thomas owes much of his success to his biggest fans—his parents, April and Randy. From the start, they cheered him on, keeping him grounded and laser-focused on his dreams. Randy, with his own wealth of experience, was more than a dad; he was a mentor. He helped Jayden tackle the challenges of being a student-athlete, both on and off the field. With their unwavering support, Jayden’s journey in college football feels less like a solo run and more like a family victory. After all, every star player needs a strong team behind them.

The 22-year-old WR isn’t flying solo—he’s got two siblings, Kaysen and Holden. Details about them or his mom, April Thomas (née Rogers), are scarce. But the real star of his backstory? His grandpa. A baseball-loving Jayden found one of his biggest inspirations. Fun fact: Jayden was a two-sport athlete back in the day. Baseball or football? He picked the latter, and the rest is history in the making.

Who are the grandparents of Notre Dame’s wide receiver?

In his freshman year, Jayden Rogers spoke to ND Insider about an interesting fact about himself. The rising star responded: “My first love was really baseball because I started playing when I was four years old. And my grandfather (Phillip Rogers) was the first black quarterback in Virginia Tech history.” Yes, Thomas comes from the bloodline of the greats. His grandpa, Phil Rogers is a legend for Virginia Tech. This is where he met his wife Rhonda Miller Rogers and “the rest is history.”

Phil Rogers etched his name in Virginia Tech’s history with style. As the Hokies’ first African-American starting quarterback in 1975, he led the team to an impressive 8-3 record. Decades later, his efforts earned him a spot in the Virginia Tech Sports Hall of Fame in 2011. A trailblazer on and off the field, Phil’s legacy isn’t just about stats—it’s about breaking barriers and leaving an unforgettable mark. Inspiring younger generations that also including his grandson Jayden Thomas into believing that anything is possible with the right conviction.

What does Jayden Thomas have to say about family support?

The 4x recruit by Rivals and ESPN is deeply connected with his family and extended family. Their relentless support has helped him to grow as an athlete. Therefore, Jayden Thomas never skips his chances to appreciate and acknowledge their importance in his life.

Speaking with ND Insider, the wide receiver mentioned: “Your family is really important. They are going to be there no matter what. They are always going to have your back. For me, it’s spending time with my family. And then also grinding. Do the extra stuff on your own, because you never know what can happen. Whether it’s a pause in your season or something happens, you’ve always got to stay ready.”

For someone who’s doubtful about his choice of music and listens to Vance Joy’s Riptide with a lot of dedication, Jayden Thomas is a gem in the making. He’s receiving all the love and support that a budding football star like him needs to build a career. Moreover, under the guidance of his dad and grandpa Phil Rogers, the 22YO is aiming for greatness. There’s more to come from his side and we’d be waiting in anticipation.