After Texas A&M’s top-ranked 2022 recruiting class, coach Elko is now assembling a highly-rated 2026 group, emphasizing positive relationships and strategic recruiting to build a competitive team.
The landscape of college football recruiting is a relentless pursuit of talent, strategy, and relationship-building, with programs continually seeking to outmaneuver rivals and secure the best prospects to sustain success. Texas A&M, in particular, has positioned itself as a powerhouse in recruiting, notably securing the nation’s top-ranked class in 2022 under head coach Jimbo Fisher and his staff. This class set a high standard and laid a formidable foundation for the program’s future. However, the journey does not end with one class; it’s an ongoing cycle of evaluation, relationship cultivation, and strategic planning to ensure sustained excellence. Enter Coach Elko—who, after the 2022 cycle, is now focusing on assembling a highly-rated 2026 recruiting class. His approach emphasizes not just the quantity and quality of prospects but also the importance of positive relationships and strategic long-term planning to build a competitive, cohesive team.
The Significance of the 2022 Class
Texas A&M’s 2022 recruiting class was a landmark achievement. It was the result of meticulous planning, aggressive recruitment, and a compelling vision of the program’s future. This class included several five-star prospects, highly-rated athletes, and promising under-the-radar talents who could develop into key contributors for years to come. The success of this class has elevated the program’s national profile, increased recruiting momentum, and set high expectations for future cycles.
Securing the top-ranked class was a strategic coup that reflected the Aggies’ ability to attract top talent to College Station. It also underscored Coach Fisher’s and his staff’s recruiting acumen. Nevertheless, the importance of sustained recruiting success cannot be overstated—coaches must continuously identify, evaluate, and develop new talent pipelines to stay competitive, especially in the SEC, where depth and talent are paramount.
Transitioning to 2026: Strategic Focus and Long-Term Vision
While the 2022 class was a significant milestone, Coach Elko recognizes that recruiting must be a long-term, continuous process. His focus on the 2026 class signals a strategic effort to not only bring in top-tier prospects but also to cultivate relationships early and develop a pipeline of future stars. Building a highly-rated class three years out requires vision, patience, and relationship-building that extends beyond the immediate recruiting cycle.
Elko’s approach emphasizes several core principles:
Relationship Building Over Time: Establishing trust and personal connections with prospects and their families early in high school to foster loyalty and commitment.
Strategic Targeting: Identifying prospects who fit the team’s needs, culture, and style of play, rather than simply pursuing top-ranked athletes for rankings’ sake.
Developmental Planning: Recognizing that some prospects may develop later or need tailored coaching, and planning accordingly to maximize their potential.
Holistic Evaluation: Considering character, academic integrity, and leadership qualities alongside athletic ability to ensure prospects will thrive in the program.
Brand and Culture Promotion: Showcasing Texas A&M’s unique strengths—such as its facilities, academic programs, and community— to appeal to recruits beyond just athletic metrics.
Relationship-Building as a Cornerstone
A critical aspect of Elko’s recruiting philosophy is the emphasis on positive relationships. In the modern college football landscape, prospects are increasingly influenced by personal connections, coaching staff reputation, and the perceived culture of the program. Elko’s staff invests time in developing genuine relationships with recruits and their families, often engaging them early in their high school careers.
This strategy involves regular communication, visits, and involvement in prospects’ development beyond just on-field performance. By staying connected through calls, visits, and mentorship, Elko aims to create a sense of loyalty and familiarity, increasing the likelihood of commitments when the time comes. This approach also helps the staff better understand the prospects’ aspirations, motivations, and concerns, allowing for tailored pitches that align with individual goals.
Furthermore, relationship-building extends into the community and school environments. By fostering positive impressions through community service, academic support, and respectful interactions, Texas A&M’s staff positions itself as a program that values student-athletes holistically.
Strategic Targeting and Needs Assessment
Elko’s staff conducts meticulous evaluations to identify prospects who not only rank highly but also fit the team’s style of play and culture. For the 2026 class, this involves analyzing current roster needs, including depth at certain positions, leadership qualities, and potential areas of development.
For example, if the team is looking to bolster its linebacker core, the staff might prioritize prospects with high athletic potential, leadership qualities, and a strong work ethic, even if they aren’t the highest-ranked players nationally. Conversely, for skill positions like quarterback or wide receiver, top-tier talent with high ceiling projections might be targeted to develop into future stars.
This strategic targeting also involves understanding recruiting trends, regional strengths, and emerging talent pools. Texas El Paso, Louisiana, Florida, and Georgia remain fertile recruiting grounds, but national outreach is essential to identify hidden gems or prospects who might develop later.
Holistic Evaluation and Character Considerations
Elko’s recruiting philosophy emphasizes character, academic excellence, and leadership qualities. This holistic approach ensures that prospects are not only talented but also individuals who will positively contribute to the team culture. The program seeks players who demonstrate resilience, accountability, and a strong sense of community—traits that align with Texas A&M’s values.
This focus minimizes the risk of future off-field issues and fosters a cohesive team environment. It also aligns with the program’s long-term vision of building a championship-caliber team rooted in integrity and work ethic.
Promoting the Texas A&M Brand and Culture
Recruiting success is also about marketing the program’s unique strengths. Texas A&M offers a compelling package—state-of-the-art facilities, a passionate fan base, a storied tradition, and academic opportunities. Elko’s staff actively promotes these aspects during recruitment, positioning Texas A&M as not just a football destination but a comprehensive college experience.
The staff also leverages current players’ testimonials, highlighting team culture, development programs, and life after football. Building a perception of excellence and opportunity makes recruits more inclined to commit, especially when they see the program’s commitment to their holistic growth.
Building the 2026 Class: Challenges and Opportunities
The journey to assemble a highly-rated 2026 recruiting class involves navigating numerous challenges, including competition from other top programs, NCAA recruiting regulations, and prospect development timelines. Elko’s strategy involves early engagement, maintaining flexibility, and leveraging data-driven insights to identify prospects who align with the program’s goals.
One opportunity lies in the evolving recruiting landscape—technological advancements such as virtual visits, social media engagement, and data analytics help reach prospects more efficiently and build relationships remotely. This expanded outreach allows Texas A&M to broaden its recruiting footprint nationally.
Another opportunity involves cultivating relationships with high school coaches, trainers, and recruiting services to stay ahead of emerging talent. By establishing a large network of trusted contacts, Elko’s staff can gain early insights into prospects’ potential and character.
Long-Term Vision and Impact
The emphasis on the 2026 class reflects Elko’s long-term vision of sustained excellence. Building a pipeline of talented prospects years in advance ensures that the team remains competitive, reduces the pressure of last-minute recruiting, and facilitates a cohesive transition as players develop and graduate.
Furthermore, a highly-rated class can elevate the team’s recruiting rankings, attract attention from high-profile recruits, and create a positive cycle of success. The reputation of consistently landing top classes builds momentum and establishes Texas A&M as a premier destination for elite talent.
A Recipe for Sustained Success
In summary, Coach Elko’s approach to recruiting the 2026 class is rooted in relationship-building, strategic targeting, holistic evaluation, and branding. Following the landmark success of the 2022 class, the focus now shifts to nurturing relationships early, identifying prospects who fit the program’s culture and style, and planning for the long-term development of the team.
This comprehensive strategy aims to secure a highly-rated class that not only provides immediate contributions but also sustains Texas A&M’s competitive edge for years to come. By emphasizing positive relationships and a thoughtful recruiting process, Elko and his staff are laying the groundwork for a successful future—one built on trust, strategic vision, and a relentless pursuit of excellence.
