2026 Brayden Thomas Enjoys Notre Dame Camp

Brayden Thomas‍ is eager to make a name for himself, which is one reason why the 2026 Ohio defensive back was in South Bend to camp at Notre Dame earlier this month. 

“It went great,” the 6-foot, 162-pound Thomas said. “It was a nice camp.

“I really liked the workout with Coach (Mike) Mickens. His drills were really good. I feel like they helped us when it came to the one-on-ones. He taught us how to press and stuff. I took my coaching points from there and applied them in the one-on-ones and that paid off.”

The St. Edward High School standout called Mickens a “great coach.”

“I really like how he coaches,” Thomas continued. “He's like a laid back dude. He doesn't say too much, but overall, he's a cool guy, cool coach.”

Thomas, who has an early offer from Toledo, felt good about his performance.

“I feel like I was able to come out and show just what I had on the table,” he said.

Thomas is the younger brother of freshman defensive end Loghan Thomas.

“He said he likes it a lot,” Thomas said of his older brother. “He likes the people there.”

And while the younger Thomas is ready to make his own name, he did acknowledge that playing on the same team as his brother is something he’s craving after being denied that chance following an injury this past season at St. Edward.

“I didn't get to do that in high school, so that's definitely something on my list that I'm looking forward to,” he said.

As far as looking at Notre Dame, Thomas said, “I'm more likely to like a place my brother likes.”

Thomas also participated in a mega camp at Kent State earlier this month, but knows what he needs to do.

“The biggest thing right now I think is my film,” he said. “I have to get film out there because I didn't play my sophomore season.

“I think just getting film on the table is going to be the biggest thing for me.”

So rather than hitting every stop on the summer camp circuit, Thomas is going to spend time preparing himself to perform on the field this fall.

“This summer, I have to learn the defense,” he said. “There's a lot of calls, so I'm just trying to make sure I put myself in the best position to not miss any practices for my own team so that I can put the best film out.”

Of course, he also plans on being in South Bend on Saturdays as much as he can.

“Seeing my brother is pretty big…there’s just nothing like going to see your brother.”

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