Texas A&M’s Continued Recruiting Success and NIL ChallengesTexas A&M’s Continued Recruiting Success and NIL Challenges Under head coach Mike Elko, Texas A&M’s 2025 recruiting class has grown to 18 commitments, with a focus on Texas-based prospects. However, the Aggies face stiff competition from out-of-state programs, particularly in California. Despite landing three of California’s top five recruits, Texas A&M has recently lost several top Texas prospects to rival schools. This includes four-star linebacker Riley Pettijohn and four-star offensive tackle Lamont Rogers, who committed to Ohio State and Missouri, respectively. Pettijohn’s decision may be influenced by NIL (Name, Image, and Likeness) considerations, while Rogers seeks immediate playing time at Missouri. Despite these setbacks, Texas A&M remains in contention for five-star safety Jonah Williams. Texas Longhorns coach Steve Sarkisian faces similar challenges, with NIL-rich Oregon landing five-star receiver Dakorien Moore over the weekend. The article highlights the importance of NIL in the current recruiting landscape and the challenges it poses for programs like Texas A&M and Texas in retaining top in-state talent.
Under first-year head coach Mike Elko, Texas A&M’s 2025 recruiting class has continued to grow. It’s now 18 commitments deep, with more on the way in the next two months. With 12 Texas-based commits out of 18 total this cycle, Elko and his staff have continued to focus on the Lone Star State, but know that outside competition remains an issue.
Texas A&M’s recruiting success in California, landing three of the top five prospects in the state, has created problems for in-state programs like USC. However, as Good Bull Hunting’s Robert Behrens As noted, seven of Texas’ top 10 prospects have already committed or are projected to attend an out-of-state school.
On Saturday, that trend continued, as the 2025 four-star linebacker Riley Pettijohnwho was projected to land at Texas while the Aggies were still in the mix has committed to Ohio State. Also the 9th ranked offensive prospect in the 2025 cycle from Mesquite, Texas, four-star OT Lamont Rogerscommitted to SEC foe Missouri.
Pettijohn’s decision could be based on NIL, but is more likely a result of the development of linebackers in the program and long-term commitment to the NFL, which is perfectly understandable.
For Rogers, the prospect of immediate playing time at Missouri, a program in need of future offensive line talent, is a significant opportunity that could put him on the field as early as the 2025 season.
Texas A&M is still in a good position to sign five-star Jonah Williams, the top safety prospect in Texas. Still, after missing out on nearly all of his previously favored 2025 and 2026 prospects over the past two weeks, Texas Longhorns head coach Steve Sarkisian has his hands full, especially against NIL-rich Oregon, which earned the weekend’s most significant commitment by landing the most talented receiver in the 2025 class, five-star WR Dakorien Moore.
Contact/Follow us @AggiesWire on Twittereh, and like our page on Facebook to follow the latest coverage of Texas A&M news, notes and opinions. Follow Cameron on Twitter: @CameronOhnysty.
