Latest news with #MikeElko
USA Today
4 days ago
- Sport
- USA Today
Where does Texas A&M rank among all college football programs in 2026 recruiting class?
While Texas A&M's 2025 campaign kicks off in just 35 days, head coach Mike Elko is preparing the program's future by staying hot on the recruiting trail. This summer has been exceptional for the second-year head coach, as the Aggies reeled in a plethora of top-rated recruits. With one five-star and 21 four-star prospects committed to play in the Maroon and White uniform in 2026, Elko has made waves for his recruiting success. Texas A&M holds the No. 5 recruiting class, according to On3 Sports' 2026 Industry Football Team Recruiting Rankings, and No. 3 overall class by 247Sports. The massive jump in the rankings was due in large part to Elko landing five-star defensive lineman Bryce Perry-Wright on July 5. According to Rivals, which has now merged with On3 Sports, the Aggies surpassed some of the nation's top programs, including the Alabama Crimson Tide and the Notre Dame Fighting Irish. Elko has also landed the likes of EDGE Tristian Givens and wideout/defensive back Brandon Arrington, both of whom rank in the top 30 recruits in the country, according to 247Sports. Running back KJ Edwards also announced his commitment to the Aggies in June, which helped provide Texas A&M with momentum entering the summer months. The Carthage, Texas, native's decision to begin his collegiate career in College Station stems from Elko and company's consistent ability to be personable with recruits and their families. With just a few more days left of July, here are the updated recruiting rankings, per On3 Sports and 247Sports: On3 Sports 247 Sports Although both recruiting sites have differing opinions on some programs, the consensus is that Texas A&M's 2026 class ranks in the top five. The summer has proved to be a good one for Elko, as he leads the Aggies into his second fall camp at the helm. Contact/Follow us @AggiesWire on X (formerly Twitter) and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Texas A&M news, notes and opinions. Follow Dylan on X: @dylanmflippo.
USA Today
5 days ago
- Sport
- USA Today
2026 5-star Edge is reportedly close to announcing his commitment
Texas A&M's future edge rotation could feature one of the elite pass rushers in the 2026 cycle, as five-star Anthony "Tank" Jones is reportedly close to making a decision, which he revealed during his recent interview with On3/Rivals reporter Hayes Fawcett on Thursday. Already known to the public, Jones is set to choose between Alabama, Oregon, and Texas A&M, all of which have hosted him for official visits this summer. Jones is an Alabama native, and right now, the Crimson Tide, who have been equally hot on the recruiting trail, remain the slight leaders, but no one is counting out the Oregon or the Aggies who have equal momentum, while coach Mike Elko and defensive line coaches Tony Jerod-Eddie and Sean Spencer have recruited Jones the hardest from the very start. During the interview, Jones discussed how all three programs stick out, ranking Alabama, Texas A&M, and Oregon in that order. While he certainly had plenty of praise for the Tide, Jones continued to point out that the Aggies have pushed the hardest since offering him during the early stages of his football career, while defensive coordinator Jay Bateman "The position coaches are a big reason why Texas A&M is so high on my list and the way Coach Bateman uses the big end position.' This season, senior edge Cashius Howell will be the player to watch for Jones if he makes another visit to College Station during the 2025 campaign, as Mike Elko is now calling plays, while he and Bateman's scheme is based around aggressive coverage in the secondary, and a pass rush that also values stopping the run. During his 2024 junior season wth St. Paul's Episcopal, Jones recorded 84 tackles, 16 sacks, and 18 tackles for loss. According to Rivals, Jones is the 23rd-ranked prospect in the cycle, the 2nd-ranked prospect in Alabama, and the 2nd-ranked Edge prospect. Contact/Follow us @AggiesWire on X (formerly Twitter) and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Texas A&M news, notes and opinions. Follow Cameron on X: @CameronOhnysty.
Yahoo
7 days ago
- Sport
- Yahoo
Texas A&M football is 'elevating' to championship culture says coach Mike Elko
Texas A&M football coach Mike Elko talks about elevating his team's culture to a championship level during SEC media days on July 17, 2025 in Atlanta.
USA Today
23-07-2025
- Sport
- USA Today
Texas A&M's 'old' offensive line should be the Aggies' offensive catalyst in 2025
Texas A&M's 2025 offensive line is poised to be one of the best units in the country, thanks to its experience and NFL-level talent, which will provide starting quarterback Marcel Reed and the Aggie running game a significant boost compared to last season's inconsistent performance. Throughout the offseason, head coach Mike Elko continued to praise his top seven returning offensive linemen, believing that winning in the trenches is the key to unlocking Texas A&M's offense. On Monday, during his sixth Coach's Night of the summer in San Antonio, Elko continued to praise the group, noting that, during his second-to-last season as Texas A&M's defensive coordinator before becoming Duke's head coach, the Aggies' 2025 O-line is the most experienced unit since A&M's memorable 2020 season, which included an Orange Bowl victory over North Carolina. "It's great to bring back all seven of our top offensive lineman. The last time we were this old at that position, we ended our season playing in the Orange Bowl. It's a really strong starting point to have a group like that." On paper, this is how the starting five offensive line could look when the Aggies open the 2025 season vs. UTSA: At center, Nabou is coming off another injury-riddled season and will contend with veteran Koli Faaiu for the starting job. Notable guard depth includes redshirt freshmen Ashton Funk and Blake Ivy, while five-star freshman tackle Lamont Rogers might be too talented to keep off the field. Another battle is at right tackle, as senior Reuben Fatheree is back for a final season, but will likely play behind Dametrious Crownover. Both are excellent pass protectors, so it will be tough to deny a close to equal snap count. Contact/Follow us @AggiesWire on X (formerly Twitter) and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Texas A&M news, notes and opinions. Follow Cameron on X: @CameronOhnysty.
Yahoo
22-07-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Rivals/On3 Insider provides two key updates on Texas A&M's priority 5-star prospects
Texas A&M's recruiting success last month was borderline historic, as the school landed three five-star prospects in the 2026 cycle, culminating in Saturday's critical commitment from five-star edge rusher Bryce Perry-Wright, out of Buford, Georgia. Coach Elko and his staff have developed strong relationships with all 24 commits, and momentum could continue this week with the top-ranked defensive lineman in the class set to make his announcement. On Thursday, 2026 five-star DL Lamar Brown, the crown jewel of the 2026 cycle in the trenches, is expected to choose between the LSU Tigers or Texas A&M on Thursday, July 10. Right now, the Louisiana native, who has spent his entire football career in the backyard of Death Valley up to this point, is slightly leaning towards staying home. On Monday, Rivals recruiting insider Steve Wiltfong provided an update regarding where the Aggies stand with Brown during his appearance on Josh Newberg's Rivals show, stating that while he still believes LSU has the edge, Brown's nearly double-digit visits to College Station, combined with his belief in the program, still stand out. "They might be the program in on the move five-stars down the stretch" Wiltfong stated. "They have as good a chance as anyone to finish No. 1, and that starts with Lamar Brown. Maybe LSU has the edge, but there's been times where A&M has been the favorite. He's visited there seven times. Coach (Tony) Jerod-Eddie, Coach (Sean) Spencer, again, Coach (Mike) Elko, the scheme, how comfortable he is around the program, NIL opportunities; don't sleep on Texas A&M for Lamar Brown." While this take on Brown is similar to AggieYell insider Landyn Rosow's recent update that LSU and Texas A&M are "50-50" leading up to his announcement, Wiltfong also included a key update on the No. 1-ranked wide receiver in the 2026 class, five-star LSU commit Tristan Keys regarding Tennessee and Texas A&M's potential to flip the elite route runner. "There's buzz that's starting to rise where Texas A&M and Tennessee may be better positioned long-term. Now Miami is going to be swinging Tristen Keys as well, and LSU is doing everything they can to keep him in the fold. But the Aggies and the Vols are certainly doing a good job." For the Aggies to land both elite prospects ahead of Early Signing Day on December 4, it will take a strong effort from the coaching staff, and likely an in-season visit even if Lamar Brown commits to Texas A&M on Thursday. Contact/Follow us @AggiesWire on X (formerly Twitter) and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Texas A&M news, notes and opinions. Follow Cameron on X: @CameronOhnysty. This article originally appeared on Aggies Wire: Rivals/On3' Steve Wiltfong provides update on two 2026 5-star recruits
