Auburn has its eyes heavily set on a cornerback out of New Jersey.

The Tigers have made Jordan Thomas a top priority in the 2026 class.

The four-star, who's a versatile defensive back for Bergen Catholic, was last on campus in late January, but is looking to return to the Plains soon and take an official visit with the Tigers. One reason why is where Thomas sits on Auburn's board.

"They’ve told me that I’m No. 1 on their board," Thomas said. "That’s very important to me and it’s an honor. I’m very thankful that they think of me so highly and it’s great to know."

Thomas visited last month with his father, mother and little sister. One visit to the Plains was all it took for him to know that it was a spot he had to get back to.

"We had a great time, you know, getting to know the coaches there in person for the first time," Thomas said. "Coach [Wesley "Crime" McGriff], we developed a great relationship over the over the weekend spent there. Coach (DJ) Durkin as well. They told me their vision for me there, the plans that they have and how I would fit in with their defensive scheme. I just had a great time overall."

Similar to his play style, Thomas views Durkin's defense as a versatile one — something that could benefit Thomas at the next level.

"I'm a very versatile defensive back, so he sees me playing cornerback, but also being able to develop inside and in the backfield on defense as well," Thomas said. "Maybe at nickel or dime, into the defensive scheme and just moving around with the best player on the offense as well."

He also thinks highly of McGriff, who would serve as Thomas' position coach if the 6-foot-1 cornerback were to choose Auburn.

"I like how energetic he is," Thomas said. "He's a real coach and he doesn't tell you everything that you want to hear, he's just very genuine from what I know about him. He's great at what he does. He's great at developing athletes to get to the highest level in the NFL."

While on the visit to Auburn, Thomas spent time talking not just football with head coach Hugh Freeze, but also faith. Thomas is strong in his faith, so having those conversations with the head coach was important.

"I think Coach Freeze is a great leader," Thomas said. "I think he's a great role model for the not only the players, but the coaches in the building as well. He's strong in his faith, just like me, I have a strong relationship with God. We kind of talked about, you know, Bible verses and just how faith is so important in this journey. We just had a great conversation overall."

Other programs like Michigan, Ohio State, Texas, Texas A&M, Georgia, Penn State and Notre Dame are also involved in his recruitment, but Auburn is making a heavy push for Thomas. He plans to return to Auburn for Big Cat Weekend on April 5 and a decision couldn't be far off, either.

"My parents and I have talked about making a commitment and making a decision sometime in the spring," Thomas said. "The latest would probably be late June, but definitely some time in the spring."