Texas A&M remains in strong contention as 4-star linebacker DaQuives Beck names the Aggies among his top three schools.
Texas A&M’s 2026 recruiting efforts just received a significant boost. DaQuives Beck, a highly-touted 4-star linebacker from Carthage High School in Texas, has officially named the Aggies as one of his top three choices. As the recruiting cycle heats up, Beck’s announcement marks a pivotal moment in the Aggies’ pursuit of elite defensive talent. With schools across the country vying for Beck’s commitment, Texas A&M’s inclusion in his top three demonstrates the program’s growing appeal and the staff’s relentless recruiting efforts.
Rising Star: Who Is DaQuives Beck?
Standing at 6-foot-1 and weighing 215 pounds, DaQuives Beck is considered one of the most explosive and versatile linebackers in the country. Ranked among the top 10 linebackers nationally in the 2026 class by 247Sports, Beck has already garnered attention for his instinctive play, athleticism, and leadership on the field.
Over the past two seasons at Carthage, Beck has been a force to reckon with. He has recorded an impressive 234 tackles, 30 tackles for loss, 11 sacks, and multiple forced turnovers, including two fumble recoveries returned for touchdowns. His play was instrumental in Carthage’s run to the Texas 4A Division II State Championship, where Beck was named the Defensive MVP after recording 10 tackles, 3.5 tackles for loss, and a sack.
Beck’s combination of sideline-to-sideline speed, physicality, and football IQ has made him one of the most coveted recruits in the country. College coaches love his ability to diagnose plays quickly and close space in the blink of an eye. His performance against top-tier Texas high school competition has validated the hype.
The Top 3: Texas A&M, Baylor, and Arizona State
On June 1, Beck revealed his top three schools: Texas A&M, Baylor, and Arizona State. This trimmed list comes after months of offers and visits from powerhouse programs across the country. Beck made it clear that each of these programs earned their place through consistent communication, vision for player development, and defensive identity.
For Texas A&M, this is a massive moment. Under head coach Mike Elko and defensive coordinator Jay Bateman, the Aggies have prioritized strengthening their linebacker unit, particularly with hybrid defenders like Beck who can play both inside and outside.
In an interview following the release of his top three, Beck stated:
“What stands out about Texas A&M is how much they care about you as a person and not just a player. Coach Elko and Coach Bateman made me feel like family. They have a real plan for how they’d use me.”
Why Texas A&M Makes Sense
The Aggies’ inclusion among Beck’s finalists is no coincidence. Texas A&M has ramped up its recruiting strategy in recent years, especially in-state. With Elko returning to College Station as head coach after serving as defensive coordinator under Jimbo Fisher from 2018–2021, the Aggies have placed renewed emphasis on aggressive, intelligent defense.
Elko’s system is tailor-made for a linebacker like Beck, who thrives in complex schemes that require pre-snap recognition and post-snap explosiveness. Texas A&M envisions Beck filling a versatile role that will allow him to blitz, cover, and chase down plays from sideline to sideline.
Beyond scheme fit, Beck has frequently cited the culture at A&M as a major draw:
“It’s about the people there. The coaches want the best for you on and off the field. That’s something I pay attention to.”
Additionally, the Aggies offer top-tier athletic facilities, a passionate fanbase, and the chance to compete in the SEC—factors that weigh heavily on elite recruits considering their path to the NFL.
Official Visits Set: Decision Looming?
Beck is set to take official visits to each of his top three schools over the next several weeks. He’s already scheduled his trip to Texas A&M for mid-June, and sources close to the recruitment say it could be a game-changing visit.
Here’s a breakdown of his visit schedule:
- Baylor – June 7–9
- Texas A&M – June 14–16
- Arizona State – June 21–23
Recruiting insiders believe that Texas A&M has a strong opportunity to separate itself during the visit, particularly because it will be one of the last Beck takes before a potential summer commitment. While Beck hasn’t confirmed a specific announcement date, he has expressed a desire to make his decision before the start of his senior season.
“I don’t want the recruiting process to be a distraction going into my final year,” Beck said. “I’ll take these visits and then sit down with my family to figure out what’s best.”
How Beck Fits Into A&M’s 2026 Class
Texas A&M has already built strong momentum in its 2026 class, and landing Beck would represent a major win. Linebacker is a clear position of need for the Aggies as they look to replace key contributors and bolster depth.
Beck’s commitment would also likely influence other top defensive recruits in Texas, many of whom he has developed relationships with through camps, visits, and all-star events. Recruiting is often about momentum, and a player of Beck’s caliber could act as a catalyst.
As of now, A&M’s 2026 class is trending upward with a strong foundation of in-state talent and a focus on defensive playmakers. Beck could be the centerpiece of that effort.
What Makes Beck Different?
In a state filled with elite football talent, what makes DaQuives Beck stand out? It’s more than just stats or highlight reels—it’s the way he approaches the game. Coaches who’ve worked with Beck speak highly of his discipline, leadership, and hunger to improve.
Carthage head coach Scott Surratt praised Beck’s work ethic:
“DaQuives is a student of the game. He watches more film than most college players. His instincts aren’t an accident—he studies tendencies, formations, and player habits. That’s why he’s always in the right spot.”
That film study has paid off on Friday nights. Beck regularly makes plays that change the momentum of games. Whether it’s a key third-down sack or a strip-fumble in the red zone, he has a knack for showing up when it matters most.
He’s also known as a vocal leader on and off the field, a trait that programs like Texas A&M highly value in their locker room culture.
The Competition
While Texas A&M appears to be in a strong position, the battle for Beck is far from over.
Baylor
Baylor has long recruited East Texas effectively and has made Beck a top priority. Head coach Dave Aranda, a defensive mind himself, has laid out a detailed plan for Beck’s development in their 3-4 scheme. The Bears are emphasizing early playing time and proximity to home.
Arizona State
ASU is the outlier geographically, but not in effort. The Sun Devils have made multiple visits to Carthage and were one of the first schools to offer Beck. He has expressed interest in playing in the Pac-12 and experiencing something different from his East Texas roots. A strong official visit could keep them in serious contention.
The Bigger Picture
Beck’s decision will be one of the most anticipated in the 2026 recruiting class—not just for the Aggies, but for college football as a whole. In today’s recruiting landscape, a linebacker like Beck who brings both elite physical tools and mature intangibles is rare.
Should Texas A&M land his commitment, it would send a message across the SEC that the Aggies are again a serious force on the recruiting trail. It would also affirm that Mike Elko’s return has rejuvenated belief in the program’s long-term defensive identity.
As DaQuives Beck moves closer to a decision, Texas A&M finds itself in a prime position to secure one of the country’s top linebacker prospects. His fit with the Aggies’ system, his relationship with the staff, and the opportunity to play in the SEC all point to a potentially powerful partnership.
Still, recruiting is unpredictable—and until the ink dries, all three programs in Beck’s top three will continue to push hard. One thing is clear: wherever Beck lands, he’s poised to make an immediate and lasting impact at the next level.
