Texas A&M’s rough stretch on the field is now spilling into the recruiting trail, and one of the biggest names in its 2027 class is suddenly worth watching.
After the Aggies dropped a 17-9 decision at South Carolina to fall to 4-4 overall and 1-5 in SEC play, the program has already lost five-star offensive tackle Mark Matthews, who decommitted and is now predicted to land with Miami. Now, according to sources, more movement could be coming in the next several days or weeks.
That list includes five-star linebacker Kaden Henderson, who just finished an unofficial visit to Notre Dame. The Fighting Irish are trying to make a late push, and while Texas A&M still holds his commitment, the trip gave Notre Dame a real opening.
Henderson had previously listed Notre Dame as the other finalist before choosing the Aggies, so the interest there is nothing new. With both programs heading in different directions, it makes sense that he wanted to see what Marcus Freeman and Notre Dame had to offer. Even so, Texas A&M’s relationship with Henderson remains a major factor, especially his bond with Mike Elko.
Rivals Director of Recruiting Chad Simmons said Henderson spent most of his time with fellow 2027 wide receiver Julius Jones Jr. and other prospects who were working to sell the program during and after Saturday’s win over No. 1 Miami.
"Texas A&M still has his commitment and the relationships he built with Mike Elko and his staff. Henderson spoke strongly about both before the trip. Notre Dame gave him enough to weigh that, with signing day approaching, the Aggies have a legitimate challenger."
Henderson would have a path to early playing time at Texas A&M, with the Aggies’ 2027 linebacker room offering a chance to step in next season. Notre Dame presents a similar opening, with two key starters also expected to move on this offseason.
For now, Texas A&M is still hanging on to Henderson. But with Notre Dame pressing and the Aggies dealing with a shaky season, that commitment is no longer looking locked in.
In Other News...
Texas A&M Just Lost A Recruit To A Much Worse Outcome
Mark Matthews recruiting path took a sharp turn this week, and it left Texas A&M watching one of its former commitments head to a familiar SEC rival. The top-ranked offensive tackle had been pledged to the Aggies, but he has now decommitted and announced for Georgia, a move that caught plenty of fans and recruiting insiders off guard after Miami had been viewed as the likeliest alternative.
For Texas A&M, the timing adds another layer to an already frustrating development. The Aggies are set to play Georgia twice over the next three years, which means Matthews could end up lining up against the program he once chose, turning a recruiting miss into a matchup storyline that will linger well beyond signing day. [Read more 🡒]
Texas A&Ms Latest Loss Just Deepened A Brutal Season Debate
Texas A&Ms latest setback in the SEC only sharpened the questions hanging over a frustrating season. The Aggies fell 17-9 to No. 21 South Carolina, and even a day that produced 457 total yards ended with the offense unable to find the end zone. It was the kind of loss that leaves little comfort behind, especially when the scoreboard says the same thing the film has been saying for weeks.
The bigger concern is how deep the slump has become. Texas A&M has now gone three conference games without scoring a touchdown for the first time since 1971, a staggering marker for a program that expected far more from this fall. ESPNs Football Power Index has only added to the unease, projecting a losing finish and giving the Aggies a low chance of reaching the SEC title game or the College Football Playoff, which only makes the remaining stretch feel even heavier. [Read more 🡒]
Texas A&Ms Road Struggles Took On A New Twist At South Carolina
Texas A&Ms road issues picked up another layer of frustration at Williams-Brice Stadium, where the Aggies fell 17-9 to South Carolina and kept searching for their first away win of the 2026 season. The loss was hard enough on its own, but it came in a game where the usual travel grind was joined by a flu bug that worked its way through the team.
Head coach Mike Elko, running back KJ Edwards and wide receiver Mario Craver were among those affected, adding an extra wrinkle to a night that never really tilted Texas A&Ms way. The Aggies now head back home for Tennessee, hoping a return to familiar surroundings can help reset a road stretch that has become a real concern. [Read more 🡒]