Texas A&M’s push toward the 2028 class is already taking shape with two familiar names at the center of it.
The Aggies are expected to be in the mix for a pair of blue-chip legacy prospects, four-star running back Ian Thomas and four-star wide receiver Dillon Mitchell, both of whom carry family ties to College Station. Thomas is the son of former Aggie running back Rodney Thomas, while Mitchell is the son of former Texas A&M cornerback Billy Mitchell, who played for the Aggies from 1990-1993 and also spent time in the NFL with the Carolina Panthers.
Thomas picked up an official offer from Mike Elko this spring, and Rivals insider Sam Spiegelman has him heavily favored to end up at his father’s alma mater. Trooper Taylor, Texas A&M’s associate head coach and running backs coach, has handled much of the recruitment. Still, Thomas made it clear the offer came down to more than just the family connection.
“Coach was clear that it was me and how I play that got me the offer,” Thomas stated to Rivals. “I appreciated him saying that.”
Mitchell is also trending toward the Aggies, sitting at 95% in the latest Rivals RPM. Like 2027 five-star wideout commit Eric McFarland, Mitchell brings elite speed and a 5-foot-8 frame that could make him a factor in the slot and as a kick returner. He’s also a notable track and field star.
“At A&M, I have friends on the team,” Mitchell told Rivals. “The coaches showed me on film what a young wide receiver’s progression looks like. They’ve had athletes that they use at receiver, slot and running back.
Texas A&M’s 2028 recruiting push comes as the program continues building momentum in the 2027 cycle. The Aggies are closer than ever to landing the No. 1-ranked 2027 class after securing four-star linebacker Mikahi Allen’s commitment earlier this month, which pushed the total to 27 commits heading into the 2026 college football season.
Mike Elko and his staff still have work to do in that class, including the possibility of flipping several current commits. That group could include five-star cornerback and South Carolina commit Joshua Dobson. Five-star running back Landen Williams-Callis is also set to announce his commitment on August 1, though he is currently trending toward Texas.
For now, though, the early focus is on the next wave. Texas A&M has long made a habit of landing Aggie legacies, and Thomas and Mitchell both have the freedom to play anywhere in the country. Even so, both prospects remain impressed with what Elko is building in College Station.
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