Texas A&M has long been a powerhouse in producing top-tier offensive linemen, and under the guidance of third-year head coach Mike Elko, that tradition is alive and well. This year, five seasoned O-linemen from Texas A&M are headed to the 2026 NFL Scouting Combine, part of an impressive group of 13 players representing the university.
Elko and his staff are already setting their sights on the 2027 recruiting class, securing key official visits, including one from five-star offensive tackle Kennedy Brown. Brown, alongside Mark Mathews, is considered one of the elite blue-chip prospects in the 2027 class.
While Brown's versatility gives him a slight edge, Mathews boasts an imposing size advantage at 6'6" and over 300 pounds. The Aggies are making significant strides in courting Mathews, a standout from Florida.
Though an official visit from Mathews is still pending, he hinted that a trip to College Station is likely after an unofficial visit last October. With former five-star offensive lineman Lamont Rogers already in the fold from the 2025 class, O-line coach Adam Cushing is well-equipped to lead the recruitment efforts.
In a conversation with On3's Chad Simmons, Mathews shared his thoughts on his recruitment process, mentioning Miami, Georgia, and Texas A&M as top contenders. While Miami currently leads, Mathews is in regular contact with the Aggies' coaching staff and is seriously considering Texas A&M.
Reflecting on his experience at A&M, Mathews said, “It’s just that feeling. I stepped on campus, I really do like it.
The coaching staff - from coach (Adam Cushing), coach (Deveonte) Mackey, coach (Wisly Desire), even coach Elko. My family likes A&M, I like A&M, we’ll just see where this road goes.”
Mathews, much like Kennedy Brown, possesses the talent to make an immediate impact as a freshman. Although Lamont Rogers had limited playing time in 2025 due to experienced players ahead of him, Mathews is likely to compete for a starting tackle position by 2027.
“A&M wants to bring me in as a guy who can start early. That’s what they’ve told me from the jump and that’s something I want to do,” Mathews expressed.
Early playing time is a crucial factor for Mathews as he weighs his options. While Miami and Georgia will likely offer similar opportunities, the prospect of seeing multiple Texas A&M O-linemen selected in the 2026 NFL Draft is a compelling draw for him and other 2027 recruits.