The Buckeyes enjoyed a rousing win over Michigan State while hosting stars from the state of Ohio.
One of those stars is 2026 pass rusher Cam Thomas from Lakota West High School in Cincinnati. Thomas is set to be one of the top prospects in the 2026 class in the state of Ohio, and the Buckeyes are a top school for him early. A lot stood out to Thomas during his visit, including the focus of the team, “How focused the team was. Usually they are a little relaxed during pre-game. Saturday, they were locked in. Each position group was getting after it. They understand what’s on the line.”
Going further, Ohio State young stud defender Sonny Styles stood out to Thomas: “I was really looking at how they use Sonny Styles.” Thomas said, “They use him in a variety of ways, just allowing him to be an athlete on the field. He is different!”
Buckeye Nation @OhioStateFB pic.twitter.com/f7jMEkd4Mg
— Cam Thomas (@CamThomas2026_3) November 12, 2023
Despite being to a bunch of Ohio State games, the nighttime atmosphere was extremely impressive to Thomas. “The atmosphere was amazing. [It was] my first time watching the Buckeyes under the lights. So it was cool seeing the new uniforms in person. Also, a lot of Ohio State legends on the sideline. I got to meet Cardale Jones & Beanie Wells.” Thomas clearly had a great time in the Horseshoe, while watching the Buckeyes dominate the Spartans.
Night Game at The Shoe for THE @OhioStateFB game visit!@ryandaytime @CoachMcGrath22 @CoachJimKnowles @R2X_Rushmen1 @JLaurinaitis55 @Coach_Eliano @N_Murph @etwill21 @11WRecruiting #GoBucks🌰@LakotaWestFB 🔥🦅@CoachTomBolden @Coach_Huls pic.twitter.com/2mFFZTKHCT
— Cam Thomas (@CamThomas2026_3) November 12, 2023
His relationship with the coaching staff is great and growing, “When I see them it’s always love. I caught up with Coach Hartline, Coach Johnson, Coach McGrath, Coach Laurinaitis, and Coach Knowles. They all asked about the current playoff run at Lakota West and how I felt about it.”
That relationship with the staff dives deeper, especially in regards to seeing himself as a Buckeye. Thomas said, “I can definitely picture myself as a Silver Bullet. [Ohio State has] always been one of my schools I enjoy following the most. Close to home so, they will always be on a short list of schools I’d like to attend given the opportunity.”
On to the Next ➡️#Region4@LakotaWestFB 🔥🦅 pic.twitter.com/U22hCXa9lZ
— Cam Thomas (@CamThomas2026_3) November 11, 2023
There is still plenty of time left in his recruitment. But, a lot of schools are creating strong relationships with Thomas. “I have an active recruiting journey. Virginia Tech is my latest Power five offer, along with Eastern Michigan who offered last week. Cincinnati, Notre Dame, and Ohio State stay pretty active with me.”
Right now, most of his recruiting goes through his coach, Cincinnati-area legend Tom Bolden. Thomas is a kid that Buckeye fans could learn a lot about. He does not have an Ohio State offer yet, the Buckeyes are a team heavily involved with his recruitment and there is a bunch of time. Thomas is having a very good season for Lakota West, and has a ton of room to grow.
Featured image via: 247sports.com
Kaleb Longhurst, a Cincinnati, Ohio native, is a recruiting analyst that covers Ohio State. A trusted source for Buckeyes recruiting, Kaleb has experience at Mike Farrell Sports, but has blossomed at TSB. Kaleb is an up and coming writer who is just getting started.