Five-star kicker Asher Murray commits to Texas A&M’s 2026 class, picking the Aggies over Memphis and Maryland.

In a move that underscores Texas A&M’s dedication to building a complete and championship-caliber football program, five-star kicker Asher Murray has officially committed to the Aggies’ 2026 recruiting class. The commitment, announced earlier this week, marks a significant milestone not just for the special teams unit, but also for the entire program under the direction of head coach Mike Elko.

Murray, a native of Shreveport, Louisiana, and a standout at CE Byrd High School, is ranked as the No. 3 kicker in the nation by 247Sports and one of the top 50 overall prospects in the state of Louisiana. His decision to join Texas A&M over other notable offers from Memphis and Maryland signals both his trust in the Aggies’ program and their long-term vision for success.

A Highly Coveted Special Teams Talent

While the spotlight in college recruiting often falls on quarterbacks, wide receivers, and defensive linemen, elite special teams players are no less critical to a championship team. Kickers who can consistently convert from long range, pin opponents deep, and deliver under pressure are rare—and Texas A&M just landed one of the best in the country.

Asher Murray’s resume is already impressive by any measure. During his junior season, Murray hit 12 of 14 field goal attempts, with a long of 56 yards. He was nearly automatic on extra points, converting 44 of 47 attempts. He also managed 48 touchbacks on 57 kickoffs, a stat that speaks to his power and technique.

More impressively, his 56-yard field goal not only set a CE Byrd High School record but also put him on the radar nationally. By season’s end, he had earned first-team selections on both the MaxPreps Junior All-American team and the Louisiana Sports Writers Association (LSWA) All-State team.

A Legacy of Kicking Excellence

Kicking is more than just a skill for Murray—it’s a family tradition. Asher follows in the footsteps of his older brothers, Abram and Tyler Murray, both of whom have kicked at the collegiate level. Abram began his college career at Miami before transferring to Cal, where he currently kicks for the Golden Bears. Tyler, the eldest, has spent time with Temple and Oklahoma State.

This legacy has provided Asher with invaluable resources as he hones his craft. Having access to collegiate-level mentorship within his own home has accelerated his development and maturity as a player. It’s not surprising that college coaches quickly took notice.

Why Texas A&M?

Murray had several offers on the table, and while Memphis and Maryland made serious efforts, Texas A&M stood out early and often. His decision came after a series of visits, including a key unofficial visit in early June where he met with special teams coordinator Patrick Dougherty and head coach Mike Elko.

According to sources close to the recruitment, Murray was impressed with the emphasis Texas A&M places on special teams—a focus not all Power 5 programs share. The Aggies made clear that they viewed Murray not merely as a “specialist” but as a game-changer, capable of directly impacting close contests.

“The energy at A&M is real,” Murray told reporters. “They’re building something special, and I want to be part of that. Coach Elko and Coach Dougherty laid out a clear plan for my development and role in the program.”

That vote of confidence was likely a deciding factor. Many kickers enter programs as walk-ons or afterthoughts. Murray, by contrast, is being brought in as a priority.

The Elko Era: Building a Balanced Team

Since taking over at Texas A&M, Mike Elko has made it clear that he values balance and attention to detail. He’s not just recruiting stars on offense and defense—he’s targeting elite talent at every position, including special teams.

That strategy is already paying off. The Aggies’ 2026 class is ranked No. 7 nationally, and with more additions expected in the coming months, it’s poised to finish in the top five. Murray’s commitment not only boosts the class’s overall profile but also provides strategic flexibility.

A kicker with a big leg can completely change a coaching staff’s approach. Coaches can opt for field goals at longer distances, kickoffs can neutralize dangerous returners, and tight games can swing based on special teams consistency. These margins often decide conference games and playoff berths.

A Look Ahead: Murray’s Potential Impact

Texas A&M’s current kicker is expected to graduate before Murray steps on campus, making him a likely candidate to compete for the starting role as a true freshman. While many programs redshirt kickers, Murray’s experience, pedigree, and poise may fast-track him into early playing time.

Should he win the starting job, Murray would immediately become a weapon. His ability to hit long-range field goals will stretch opposing defenses, and his consistency could become a stabilizing force for an offense that has occasionally struggled in red zone efficiency.

Moreover, his booming kickoffs will provide an edge in field position battles—an underrated but vital part of the college game.

Reaction From Around the Country

Recruiting analysts and former players have already begun weighing in on Murray’s commitment, with most labeling it a “steal” for the Aggies.

247Sports analyst Chris Singletary noted, “He’s one of the most complete kickers we’ve evaluated in this class. His leg strength is obvious, but what sets him apart is his repeatable mechanics and calm under pressure.”

Former NFL kicker and CBS analyst Jay Feely tweeted, “Texas A&M just got one of the best high school kickers in the country. Murray has NFL potential.”

What It Means for the SEC Landscape

The Southeastern Conference is already a gauntlet of powerhouse programs, and every edge matters. With teams like Alabama, Georgia, and LSU constantly reloading, programs like Texas A&M must maximize every phase of the game to stay competitive.

Landing a five-star kicker doesn’t just boost recruiting rankings—it sets the tone for the program’s commitment to excellence in all three phases: offense, defense, and special teams. In a conference where games are often decided by a single score, the presence of an elite kicker like Murray can be the difference between an 8-4 season and a trip to the College Football Playoff.

The Bigger Picture for A&M

Murray’s commitment continues a trend for Texas A&M: securing top-tier talent from across the South. While the Aggies have traditionally recruited well in Texas, they’ve increasingly turned their attention to neighboring states like Louisiana, Florida, and Georgia. Pulling a prized recruit out of Shreveport is another sign that A&M’s recruiting reach is expanding under Elko.

It also underscores a philosophical shift. This is no longer just about raw athleticism or five-star ratings—it’s about identifying the right players, regardless of position, who can execute at a high level and fit into the team’s culture.

Murray’s work ethic, family background, and proven performance make him exactly the kind of player Texas A&M wants to build around.

In an era of flashy recruiting announcements and highlight reels, it’s easy to overlook the importance of specialists. But those who follow college football closely know just how vital an elite kicker can be.

Asher Murray is more than just a specialist—he’s a weapon. And in choosing Texas A&M, he’s not only betting on his own future but also aligning himself with a program poised for greatness.

For the Aggies, Murray’s commitment isn’t just a recruiting win—it’s a statement. One that says Texas A&M intends to compete—and win—at the highest level of college football.