Pitt FB Recruiting
2027 Pitt Commit Earns Industry Four-Star, Top-50 WR Status
Since 2027 wide receiver Jacob Thomas committed to Pitt, his recruitment has taken off both in terms of schools targeting him and recruiting services taking notice of his talent.
On Monday, Thomas earned an On3 Industry four-star rating and top-50 wide receiver status. The Industry ranking compiles ratings and rankings from all four major recruiting media services.
On3 specifically rates Thomas as a three-star recruit, along with the 43rd wide receiver in the class and 38th prospect out of Florida. Rivals sees Thomas as a 5.6 three-star recruit, while ESPN and 247Sports have yet to rate the speedster.
The 5-foot-10, 165-pound Flanagan High School (Fla.) product committed to Pitt earlier this month on March 1 with only Bowling Green, Akron and Georgia State as his other offers at the time.
As soon as Thomas made his verbal pledge to the Panthers, his recruitment picked up immediate buzz with an SEC offer from Auburn and a Big 10 offer from Purdue on the same day as his commitment. UCF, Kentucky, Boston College, Miami (FL) and Marshall have all offered since.
Thomas was targeted by Florida natives in offensive coordinator Kade Bell and wide receivers coach JJ Laster, who have put an emphasis on recruiting the talent-rich Sunshine State.
“I keep in contact with them almost everyday,” Thomas told Pittsburgh Sports Now about his relationship with the coaches when he committed. “We talk about how I can fit in there system but not only that just life and becoming a young men. They really love me for me and that stands out to me. Feels like a place I can call home.”
For Pitt, Thomas was a hidden gem and has the makings of being a coveted recruit by the time his process is all said and done, meaning the Panthers will be in for a tough battle over the next two years before the 2027 commit can sign.
As a sophomore, Thomas had 28 receptions for 624 yards and 8 touchdowns. Thomas is also a star on the track and field team where he recently ran a 10.69 in the 100-meter.
It is that speed that stuck out to Bell and Laster.
“They say my speed is rare to find,” Thomas said. “I have maintained close relationship with both Kade Bell and JJ Laster. They came by to see me during spring and they expressed to me how they would use me in the offense, and how I would be coached and developed and challenged week in and week out.”
