Texas A&M’s 2026 coaching staff is already making waves on the recruiting trail, and a big reason for that is new linebackers coach Travis Williams. After a strong stint as Arkansas’s defensive coordinator from 2023 to 2025, Williams has wasted no time getting to work in College Station. Earlier this month, he helped land Tulsa transfer linebacker Ray Coney - a major pickup - and now he’s closing in on what could be his first high school commitment in the 2027 class.
All eyes are on four-star linebacker Kenneth Simon, who’s nearing a decision after a standout performance at the 2026 Navy All-American Bowl. Simon is down to four finalists: Alabama, Tennessee, Ole Miss, and Texas A&M.
And while his family ties to Tennessee - his father, Kevin Simon, was a two-time All-SEC linebacker there - might give the Volunteers an edge, this recruitment is far from over. All four programs are in the mix, and Simon’s recent comments suggest the Aggies are very much in the hunt.
Simon transferred to Brentwood Academy ahead of the 2025 season and made an immediate impact, helping lead the team to a perfect 12-0 record and a TSSAA Division II-AA state championship. At 6-foot-2, he’s got the frame and instincts that jump off the tape. He’s already comfortable dropping into coverage, particularly in hook zones, and his length makes him a natural fit in a 3-4 base defense - something that aligns well with what Texas A&M likes to run under head coach Mike Elko.
Simon visited College Station back in November, a weekend that just happened to include the Aggies’ thrilling 27-point comeback win over South Carolina. That visit clearly left an impression. Speaking during media availability at the Navy All-American Bowl, Simon pointed to his growing relationship with the A&M staff and how well he sees himself fitting into their defensive scheme.
“I would say the relationships I have with the coaches are really good,” Simon said. “Then, schematically in the defense, I fit very well.
Also, they really like to emphasize hitting in their defense. I was talking with Coach Troop… Hitting is something big, and I love to hit.
So, it sounds like a good spot.”
That “Coach Troop” is running backs coach Trooper Taylor, who’s become one of the Aggies’ most influential recruiters since the departure of Jordan Peterson to Kansas State. While Simon hasn’t locked in an official visit just yet, his connection with Taylor - and with Elko - seems to be a key factor in A&M’s pursuit.
“I talked to Coach Elko when I was there,” Simon added. “He had a bunch of good things to say.
Being able to sit there and listen to him, I got to learn a couple of things from him. He seems like a great guy, and he cares for his players.
Especially for the parents, that’s what they want to see. My mom loved Coach Elko.
It was fun down there. We had a great time.”
According to 247Sports, Simon is ranked No. 196 nationally in the 2027 class and is the No. 11 linebacker in the cycle - a player with the skillset and football IQ to make an early impact at the college level. And with Williams leading the charge, Texas A&M is positioning itself as a serious contender to land his commitment.