Texas A&M’s 2027 recruiting class is building serious momentum-and if things keep trending this way, don’t be surprised if the Aggies are sitting atop the national rankings by this time next year. Head coach Mike Elko and his staff have already secured nine commitments, and they’re making noise on the defensive side of the ball in particular.
One name to keep a close eye on: four-star defensive lineman Amari Vickerson. He’s set to announce his college decision on January 18, and Texas A&M is firmly in the mix, battling it out with SMU, Michigan, Texas, and Florida State.
Vickerson’s a versatile, multi-sport athlete with the kind of size and explosiveness that jumps off the tape. He’s already shown he can be a force against the run, and his upside as a pocket disruptor is what has coaches across the country paying attention.
What makes A&M’s pitch compelling right now is the defensive infrastructure Elko is putting in place-and that starts with the addition of Elijah Robinson, the Aggies’ new co-defensive coordinator and defensive line coach. Robinson is no stranger to College Station.
He spent six years with the program before a two-year stint at Syracuse, and now he’s back in the fold. His return is already resonating with recruits and current commits alike.
Take rising four-star edge rusher Kaden McCarty, for example. He’s already bought into the vision, embracing the new coaching staff and the energy Robinson brings to the table. And with three of the Aggies’ nine current commits coming along the defensive line-including underrated four-star Myels Smith-there’s a clear focus on building from the trenches out.
Robinson’s presence could be a game-changer, not just on the recruiting trail but also in the transfer portal, where his reputation and relationships are expected to pay immediate dividends. For a recruit like Vickerson, who likely has some familiarity with Robinson from his previous time at A&M and at Syracuse, that connection could be a deciding factor.
According to 247Sports, Vickerson is ranked as the No. 52 defensive lineman nationally in the 2027 class and the No. 29 overall prospect in the state of Texas. That’s solid footing for a player whose stock could rise even further as he continues to develop.
Bottom line: Texas A&M is stacking talent early in this cycle, and they’re doing it with purpose. If Vickerson joins the fold in January, it’ll be another big win for a program that’s clearly putting in the work to dominate on the defensive front for years to come.