Latest news with #Elko
USA Today
an hour ago
- Sport
- USA Today
Texas A&M is currently hosting 10 2026 prospects, including multiple five-stars
Texas A&M head coach Mike Elko is coming off two consecutive weekends hosting 33 elite prospects from the 2026 recruiting class. Since last Saturday, the Aggies landed four commitments in the cycle: Three-star QB/ATH Kaeden Johnson, four-star OT Samuel Roseborough, four-star RB KJ Edwards, and five-star ATH/CB Brandon Arrington. Arrington's commitment on Thursday afternoon marked a significant milestone for Elko and defensive back coach Jordan Peterson, who was the primary recruiter for what many consider to be the top athlete in the class, and by far the best prospect from California. Arrington is the first five-star commit for the Aggies and is currently taking an official visit to College Station this weekend. Arrington joined nine other 2026 prospects, including fellow five-stars, and four Texas A&M commits. This is a big weekend for Elko and his staff, as two key visitors are set to announce their decisions next week: five-star edge Tristian Givens and four-star offensive lineman Drew Evers. Here are the 2026 and two 2027 prospects who are currently visiting Texas A&M this weekend: 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.
USA Today
a day ago
- Sport
- USA Today
2026 5-star Edge will take official visit to Texas A&M This weekend
2026 5-star Edge will take official visit to Texas A&M This weekend Texas A&M's recruiting success over the last two weeks is only surprising to those not paying attention. Since Saturday night, coach Mike Elko has landed four commitments, starting with three-star athlete Kaeden Johnson, followed by four-star OT Samuel Roseborough, four-star running back KJ Edwards, and on Thursday afternoon, five-star athlete/cornerback Brandon Arrington chose the Aggies over Oregon. Landing Edwards and Arrington was not expected over a month ago, but Elko and his staff, especially running back coach Trooper Taylor and defensive back coaches Ishmael Aristide and Jordan Peterson, have proven their elite recruiting chops. This is just the start of what's to come this month, as Elko stated that more commits are on the horizon, while another priority prospect has just set his official visit with the program. According to GigEm247's Andrew Hattersley, 2026 five-star edge rusher Tristian Givens, who will announce his commitment on Monday, will take his Texas A&M official visit this weekend before making his decision. Givens is a slight favorite to land with the Aggies, which could be solidified after his OV. Ahead of his visit, Givens spoke with Hattersley about his close connection with College Station, and why the coaching staff, specifically his comfort level, and defensive line coaches Tony Jerod-Eddie and Sean Spencer's plan for him, if he chose the Aggies. "(I like) just how they're going to play me off the edge and stuff and be able to drop me in curls, hooks and all the stuff like that," Givens stated. However, after official visits to Tennessee and Washington, Givens is reportedly "up in the air" regarding his decision. While the Aggies have a leg up as his final host this summer, nothing is set in stone. "Just whichever one, I feel the most comfortable going to and my mom feels comfortable with me going to," Givens stated. According to 247Sports, Givens is the 23rd-ranked prospect in the 2026 cycle, the 3rd-ranked edge, and the 4th-ranked prospect in Georgia. Contact/Follow us @AggiesWire on X and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Texas A&M news, notes and opinions. Follow Cameron on X: @CameronOhnysty.
USA Today
3 days ago
- Sport
- USA Today
'There is a genuine energy around the program': Texas A&M head coach previews season
Before he leads the Texas A&M football program on the gridiron this fall, second-year head coach Mike Elko appeared at the Fort Worth Stockyards to talk ball on Coach's Night with the Fort Worth A&M Club on Tuesday night. Elko led the Aggies to a record of 8-5 (5-3 in SEC) in his first season in Bryan-College Station, Texas, which marks the first eight-win season for the program since 2021. The 2024 campaign had a fair share of good moments, but some aspects need improvement this season if Texas A&M wants the 12-team College Football Playoff. "We're really proud of the foundation that we've laid in the first year here for what Texas A&M football is and where it's going." The South Brunswick, N.J., native recruited tremendously in the offseason by bringing in top-rated athletes like former NC State wideout KC Concepcion, who is projected to make an immediate impact for the Aggies this season. During his appearance at Coach's Night, Elko expressed his thoughts on the junior wide receiver and what he brings to the table for the offense this season, according to TexAgs. Need a break? Play the USA TODAY Daily Crossword Puzzle "KC Concepcion has been exceptional... He could be a captain," Elko said. "He has been unbelivable with his work ethic, his commitment to doing things the way we want to do them. He has been a role model for our younger guys." With targets like Concepcion, Mississippi State transfer Mario Craver Jr., Terry Bussey, Izaiah Williams and Ashton Bethel-Roman to throw to, it also takes a quarterback who can be accurate and find ways to get the ball to those targets. Texas A&M has just that with dual-threat sophomore quarterback Marcel Reed, who has stepped up as a leader and continued to strengthen his game during the offseason. "Marcel (Reed) has been great," Elko said at Coach's Night on Tuesday. "I don't think anybody really appreciates the development that Marcel made because a lot of his development happened at the end of the year when we didn't get the results we wanted. We have to finish those games and get the results, but if you're looking for signs of growth from the quarterback, those signs were there. We think we've got a really, really good quarterback this year." When competing in the Southeastern Conference, it is integral to protect your gunslinger. It all starts up front for the Aggies this season, as the veteran group prepares to anchor the Texas A&M offense this season. Elko had high praise for the group when talking with the Fort Worth A&M Club on Tuesday night. "The roster starts with the offensive line, and any time you can talk about the roster starting with the offensive line, you feel pretty good about what you can accomplish," Elko said. "We return our top seven linemen. We're really excited about the veteran experience we have with that group ." Along with an experienced offensive line, a talented wide receiving corps, and Reed at the helm, the running back room is just as dangerous. Ranked as one of the best groups in the SEC heading into 2025, the projected starter Le'Veon Moss is set to have an explosive season. Moss suffered an injury last season that sidelined him from November until the end of last year's campaign. However, he seems to be recovering well and is undoubtedly chomping at the bit to get back on the field this fall. "It's great to have Le'Veon Moss back and heathy. He looks awesome," Elko said. "He has done an unbelivable job of rehab to get himself to in position where he's running full-speed right now." The defensive unit for the Aggies needed major rebuilding after losing Shemar Stewart, Shemart Turner and Nic Scourton to the 2025 NFL Draft. Players like senior Cashius Howell will play key roles in filling the holes on that side of the ball. "When you lose a first-rounder and two second-rounders, it's not easy," Elko said. "I think Cashius Howell is the first guy that jumps out to you. I think Cashius is going to be an elite player." Elko is leading the program in the right direction, both on the field and in recruiting. Texas A&M landed a huge commitment on Tuesday, as running back KJ Edwards, who ranks as the No. 2 player at the position in the country, bumped the Aggies to No. 2 in 247 Sports' recruiting rankings. Earning one of the top recruiting classes in the country so far for 2026 is a testament to the work Elko and the company are doing to build the program back to its winning ways. More than that, they are building a welcoming environment with everyone focused on getting better. "The feeling when you're around our team and around our players, they genuinely enjoy being in the building. They genuinely enjoy going to workout," Elko said. "There is a genuine energy around the program, and that's something recruits feel. There is a process of getting the program into a position where you can consistently win. We feel like all those indicators are pointing in the right direction." The Texas A&M football program will begin this year's campaign on August 30 against UTSA. Kickoff from Kyle Field is set for 6:30 p.m. CT on ESPN. 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
3 days ago
- Sport
- USA Today
Texas A&M HC Mike Elko provides more context on star running back's 2025 status
Texas A&M HC Mike Elko provides more context on star running back's 2025 status Texas A&M head coach Mike Elko has continued to make the media rounds this summer, making a stop in the DFW area for Forth Worth Coach's Night to speak to Aggie alumni, donors, and media members about the upcoming 2025 season, and his belief that this will be Texas A&M's best season yet entering his second year at the helm. This offseason has been busy, especially on the recruiting trail after landing three more commitments in the 2026 class, including standout four-star running back KJ Edwards on Tuesday night. Elko and his staff, like former head coach Jimbo Fisher, greatly value recruiting as opposed to only relying on the transfer portal, knowing that gaining elite future NFL talent is the key to sustained success. The Aggies are poised to make a run to the College Football Playoff for the first time in program history if the roster lives up to its potential, especially the talented and deep running back room led by senior back Le'Veon Moss, who missed the final five games of the 2024 regular season due to his season-ending leg injury. While his injury was serious, Moss has vocally expressed that be 100% ready for the 2025 season, and while he has also received the backing of his head coach, Elko stated on Tuesday night that his star back will not go through contact drills until midway through fall camp. "He will not be cleared for contact until midway through training camp." This is not surprising given the severity of Moss's injury, and while he has been moving well over the past three months, Elko and, RB coach Trooper Taylor, and OC Collin Klein will take every precaution necessary to prevent any further wear and tear before the real games begin. 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.
USA Today
4 days ago
- Sport
- USA Today
Elite 2026 4-star running back commits to Texas A&M over Texas
Elite 2026 4-star running back commits to Texas A&M over Texas Texas A&M's recruiting success under coach Mike Elko has been nothing short of spectacular after landing three 2026 prospects since hosting 15 last weekend. Starting with three-star star quarterback/athlete Kaeden Johnson on Saturday night, four-star offensive lineman Samuel Rosebourogh followed suit on Monday night, and on Tuesday afternoon, four-star running back KJ Edwards rounded things with his pledge. During his 2024 junior season, Edwards ran for 1,789 yards and 23 touchdowns on the ground, paired with 383 receiving yards and three touchdowns through the air. Edwards is one of the top backs in the country, and by far one of the fastest athletes at any position, possessing track speed and elite footwork, which has aided in breaking leg tackles, while his upfield burst spells game over for defenders in pursuit. After landing four-star back Jonathan Hatton early in the offseason, it was rumored that Elko and running back coach Trooper Taylor were looking to make another splash in the running back room. What's even more impressive is that Texas A&M was one of the last programs to schedule an official visit with Edwards, as Alabama and LSU had already hosted the elite back, while Texas was scheduled to host the Carthage (TX) native this weekend before he canceled the trip. Just like Roseborough, Elko and his staff have beaten out the Texas Longhorns for another priority prospect, and it's fair to say that Edwards is one of the highest-ranked prospects on their proverbial big board. With two running back commits in the cycle, Hatton and Edwards represent the future backfield once Le'Veon Moss and Rueben Owens eventually depart, paired with incoming freshmen Deondrae "Tiger" Riden and Jamarion Morrow. Like several of Texas A&M's 2026 commits, Edwards has immediate NFL potential and could become a future superstar in OC Collin Klein's scheme. According to 247Sports Composite, Edwards is currently positioned as the 42nd-ranked prospect in the class, the 3rd-ranked running back, and 7the th-ranked prospect in Texas. 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.
