Texas A&M Adds Major Defensive Talent in 2027 Class with Commitment from Myels Smith
Even with the College Football Playoff spotlight shining bright, Texas A&M found time to make waves on the recruiting trail. On Saturday, during the Aggies’ first-round matchup against Miami, they landed a big-time commitment from junior defensive lineman Myels Smith - a key addition to their 2027 class.
Smith, a standout from Inglewood High School in Los Angeles, made his announcement on Instagram Live, choosing the Aggies over a group of finalists that included Arizona State, Cal, Nebraska, USC, and Washington. While most of his top choices were based on the West Coast, Smith is heading south to College Station - a move that speaks volumes about A&M’s recruiting pull, especially along the defensive front.
The Aggies got involved with Smith early in the process. Defensive line coach Tony Jerod-Eddie extended an offer back on January 29, well before some other national powers had jumped in.
At that time, schools like Nebraska and Washington were still evaluating, and even Ohio State - though interested - hadn’t offered. That early interest gave A&M a head start, and it clearly paid off.
Smith visited College Station on November 15 for A&M’s dramatic comeback win over South Carolina - a 27-point rally that left a strong impression on the California native and his family. That visit helped solidify the bond between Smith and the Aggie program, laying the groundwork for Saturday’s commitment.
At 6-foot-3 and 295 pounds, Smith brings serious size and production to the table. As a sophomore, he racked up 65 tackles, including 20 for loss, along with 7.5 sacks.
But it’s his junior-year leap that really turned heads: 91 tackles, 30 tackles for loss, 10 sacks, 11 quarterback hits, and a handful of impact plays behind the line - including multiple pass breakups, fumble recoveries, and a forced fumble. That kind of disruptive presence in the trenches is exactly what programs covet at the Power Five level.
According to 247Sports, Smith currently ranks as the No. 33 defensive lineman in the 2027 class and the No. 26 junior in California. While he’s not yet nationally ranked, his arrow is pointing up - and fast.
Scouting director Andrew Ivins offered a detailed breakdown of what Smith brings to the field. “Active big man that has a chance to be a difference-maker in the middle for a College Football Playoff hopeful,” Ivins noted. “Showed noticeable improvement across sophomore and junior seasons, but still has plenty of room for growth.”
Ivins highlighted Smith’s get-off at the snap, his upper-body strength, and his ability to create chaos in the backfield. He’s not just a space-eater - he’s a playmaker.
That said, Ivins also pointed out areas for development, including lateral mobility and consistency in effort. But with another year of high school ball ahead and a college strength program in his future, Smith has all the tools to become a key piece up front.
With Smith on board, Texas A&M now holds nine commitments in their 2027 class - seven of which have come during the season, including five since early November. It’s been a strong stretch for the Aggies on the trail, and their class is shaping up to be one of the most intriguing in the country. They’re currently just behind Oklahoma in the team recruiting rankings, with the Sooners holding a slight edge thanks to two more total pledges.
Smith is the first California-based commit in this A&M class, though athlete Hakim Frampton - now playing in Arkansas - also hails originally from the Golden State. The Aggies have already secured commitments from several Top 100 juniors, including DeMarrion Johnson, Jayce Johnson, JayQuan Snell, Kaden McCarty, Kamarui Dorsey, and Raylaun Henry. They’ve also added Top247 defensive lineman Elijah Patmon, giving their defensive front a serious infusion of talent.
For A&M, landing Smith is more than just another recruiting win - it’s a statement. They’re not just building for the future; they’re stacking up difference-makers who can thrive in the trenches and help push the program deeper into the Playoff conversation.
And if Smith continues trending the way he has the last two seasons, don’t be surprised if he becomes a name Aggie fans are chanting in Kyle Field sooner rather than later.