Coach | 2026 Notre Dame CB Target Jordan Thomas “One Of The Best In Country”

Vito Campanile has coached scores of top prospects, but it doesn’t take long to figure out the Bergen Catholic (N.J.) head coach is extremely high on 2026 cornerback Jordan Thomas‍.

“We feel like he's one of the best defensive backs in the country in the 2026 class,” Campanile says confidently. 

Campanile points to Thomas’ character, work ethic and opportunity to compete against top 2025 receiver Quincy Porter every day in practice.

“His leadership and his overall value as a person, he's awesome,” Campanile says. “He does everything the right way. 

“He's a different kid in today's world. I don't think any of this hype or the media attention or offers have really changed who he is one bit, and that's really a refreshing thing to see in this NIL world and all the crazy stuff that's going on. It's hard. He hasn't changed one bit.”

Thomas’ early offer sheet is an impressive one that includes schools like Notre Dame, Penn State, Ohio State, Michigan, Georgia, Florida, Texas and Texas A&M among several others.

“He's a super kid to coach, tremendous family,” Campanile continues. “He does everything the right way. Everything. He's ranked Top 10 in his class academically. He's an unbelievable kid in the weight room, great in track, just loves football, everything you need to do to be a great football player.”

Thomas stood out on the field last year, but Campanile says it’ll be even more obvious this season, which begins with a showdown against IMG Academy next week.

“He's way stronger and he's just got such a suddenness to him,” his coach says. “You can call the game different when you have a kid who can legitimately shut people down. 

“He's certainly looking up to the challenge to playing the kids from IMG, because that's really what he's about. He wants to play against the best guys he could possibly play against. He enjoys practice as much as he does games. It's awesome.”

Campanile and his Crusaders are excited for next Thursday’s Bash At The Beach against IMG in Ocean City, N.J.

“I think that's what we do,” he says. “It's wild that it's this close and it's been something that's been a focal point of what we've done since we scheduled the game back in February. I think it's always an opportunity where we want to try and play the best that there is in America. I think they're the third-ranked team in the country to start it out. 

“We're excited about the opportunity. I know a lot of people think that they're something that's at a different level. I think that guys come to Bergen Catholic for the opportunity to be the best they could possibly be. Why not be at that level?”

Thomas’ focus is on that game and the rest of Bergen Catholic’s schedule, so he hasn’t even finalized any potential unofficial visits this fall yet. 

“We've talked about really being in the moment,” Campanile says. “I'm sure he'll get out to something during the bye week, but I think he's pretty much locked in on what we have going on. 

“I know he's going to be an early grad kid, but I think a lot of that stuff will come in the spring and he'll have a pretty good idea at the end of the spring where he is going to go.”

And Notre Dame is one school that has been near the top of his list. 

“100 percent. Right now I'd say Notre Dame's very high on his list.”

Looking to join a Fighting Irish community and get the latest scoop? Sign up for our newsletter and become an ISD Premium Subscriber: Sign Up for ISD

Under Armour Navy Notre Dame Fighting Irish Gameday Performance Polo