Two Linemen Are Missed by Texas A&M Football Aaron Thomas and Drew Evers One Day After Significant Achievement

In the high-stakes world of college football recruiting, every commitment matters. And when two highly touted offensive linemen, Aaron Thomas and Drew Evers, decide to take their talents elsewhere just one day after Texas A&M celebrated a major recruiting success, it sends ripples through the Aggies’ program and fanbase alike.

This unexpected turn of events has raised questions about the challenges Texas A&M faces in building a championship-caliber team and highlights the fiercely competitive nature of recruiting in today’s NCAA landscape.

The Significance of the Recent Achievement

Just a day prior to the commitments of Thomas and Evers to other programs, Texas A&M announced the acquisition of two promising offensive tackles — four-star Zaden Krempin and three-star Avery Morcho. These signings were seen as key milestones in solidifying the Aggies’ 2026 recruiting class, projected by many analysts as one of the nation’s best.

The announcement was met with excitement by the Aggie community, who viewed these additions as critical pieces to strengthening a notoriously demanding offensive line. With the program steadily aiming for greater competitiveness in the SEC and on the national stage, such signings signal progress and hope for a brighter future.

But just 24 hours later, the program was dealt a blow with the decisions of two other top offensive linemen — Drew Evers and Aaron Thomas — to commit elsewhere.

Who Are Drew Evers and Aaron Thomas?

Drew Evers

A native of Flower Mound, Texas, Drew Evers is a four-star offensive lineman who drew significant attention from powerhouse programs nationwide. Evers comes from a family with deep ties to Texas A&M; both of his parents are Aggie alumni, making him a legacy recruit who many believed would continue the family tradition.

His blend of size, technique, and athleticism made him a coveted recruit, known for his versatility on the offensive front. Evers’ recruitment was seen as a potential win for Texas A&M to not only secure a skilled lineman but also maintain important connections to the Aggie alumni network.

However, after careful consideration and multiple visits, Evers decided to pledge his commitment to Southern Methodist University (SMU). The decision surprised many, especially given his family’s Aggie roots, but it highlights the complexities of recruiting beyond just heritage.

Aaron Thomas

Hailing from Phoenix, Arizona, Aaron Thomas is a three-star offensive tackle with a reputation for solid fundamentals and impressive work ethic. His recruitment attracted attention from several top programs, and initially, Texas A&M was viewed as the frontrunner.

Thomas is also a legacy recruit in his own right, with his father having played offensive line at Florida State. This background gave him unique insights into the college football world, and many expected him to favor Texas A&M’s aggressive recruiting pitch.

Yet, Thomas chose to commit to Ohio State, a decision that reflects his desire to carve out his own path and align with a program he believes suits his long-term goals. The Buckeyes’ reputation for developing NFL-caliber offensive linemen and competing for national championships likely played a role in his choice.

Impact on Texas A&M Football

Losing two offensive linemen of this caliber so soon after a major recruiting win is a setback for any program, especially one that competes in the fiercely competitive Southeastern Conference (SEC). Offensive line depth and quality are paramount in the SEC, where games are often won or lost in the trenches.

Texas A&M’s offensive scheme under Coach Mike Elko relies heavily on a strong, cohesive line to protect the quarterback and open lanes for the running game. The absence of Evers and Thomas in the roster plans means the coaching staff will need to redouble efforts to fill those gaps either through other recruits, transfers, or player development.

Still, the Aggies’ 2026 recruiting class remains ranked among the top nationally. With committed linemen like Krempin, Morcho, and Samuel Roseborough, the program maintains a strong foundation. However, the departure of Evers and Thomas does create an immediate challenge in ensuring enough talent and experience are present to compete at a high level.

The Recruiting Battle: A Closer Look

Recruiting in college football today is more intense and competitive than ever. Programs are not only competing on the field but also in recruiting battles that extend nationwide, with schools leveraging state-of-the-art facilities, coaching pedigrees, academic programs, and NIL (Name, Image, Likeness) opportunities.

In this landscape, relationships often trump everything else. Drew Evers cited his strong rapport with the SMU coaching staff as a decisive factor, while Aaron Thomas mentioned Ohio State’s proven track record in developing linemen who succeed at the next level.

This underscores a critical lesson in recruiting: legacy and proximity are no longer guarantees. Prospects are looking for the best fit for their personal and athletic development, and coaches must earn that trust continuously.

What This Means for the Future

While the immediate reaction to these commitments might be disappointment, Texas A&M’s recruiting strategy remains robust. The program is aware of the hurdles ahead and appears committed to strengthening relationships with current and future prospects.

The Aggies’ coaching staff is reportedly already pursuing other high-profile offensive linemen to fill the void. Additionally, the transfer portal remains a viable option for adding experienced players who can contribute immediately.

The lesson from this episode is clear — success in recruiting requires adaptability and resilience. Programs like Texas A&M will need to continue evolving their approaches to stay competitive.

Voices From the Program

Athletic Director Travis Williams addressed the recent developments in a statement, emphasizing optimism and confidence in the coaching staff’s ability to navigate the challenges.

“We respect the decisions made by Drew and Aaron and wish them the best in their collegiate careers. Our focus remains on building a strong, balanced team that reflects Texas A&M’s values. We have a dedicated coaching staff committed to recruiting and developing talent that will help us compete for championships.”

Coach Mike Elko echoed similar sentiments in his press conference.

“We recruit young men, not just players. While we’re disappointed, we understand these are personal decisions. Our job is to continue to provide an environment where our athletes can thrive both on and off the field. We’re excited about the talent we currently have and the future of this program.”

The Fanbase Reaction

Aggie fans, known for their passionate support, have shown a mix of disappointment and unwavering faith in the program’s direction. Social media platforms exploded with reactions — many expressing frustration over missing out on Evers and Thomas, but a majority rallying behind the current roster and coaching staff.

Local radio hosts and sports analysts weighed in, highlighting the realities of recruiting battles but also the positive momentum the program continues to build.

“Texas A&M is in a good place, but there’s no denying this stings,” said Aggie sports analyst Laura Greene. “The key will be how quickly the staff can bounce back and continue to fill the roster with high-impact players.”

The commitments of Aaron Thomas and Drew Evers to programs outside of Texas A&M one day after a significant recruiting milestone serve as a reminder of the challenges inherent in college football recruiting. Yet, even with these losses, the Aggies remain a top program with a clear vision for the future.

Texas A&M’s commitment to excellence on the field and in recruitment efforts shows a resilience that is essential in the ever-evolving landscape of college athletics. The Aggies will no doubt use this experience as fuel to push harder, recruit smarter, and keep building toward championship goals.

In the end, every setback is an opportunity, and Texas A&M’s story is far from finished.