2026 4-star LB Tamarion Watkins discussed exactly why he chose the Aggies over South Carolina.

In the world of college football recruiting, few decisions are as significant as the one made by top-tier prospects when they choose their future program. For Tamarion Watkins, a 4-star linebacker in the class of 2026, the decision to commit to Texas A&M University over South Carolina has been a major talking point in the recruiting world. Watkins, a highly touted linebacker with a remarkable skill set, has the potential to be a game-changer at the collegiate level, and his decision to join the Aggies is a testament to the appeal of Texas A&M’s football program, its coaching staff, and the culture that has been established in College Station under head coach Jimbo Fisher.

The linebacker position has always been one of great importance in the SEC, and Watkins’ commitment to Texas A&M strengthens the Aggies’ defense as they continue to build towards competing at the highest levels. So, why did Watkins choose the Aggies over other programs, particularly South Carolina, a school that had made a significant push for his commitment? In an exclusive interview, Watkins opens up about his decision-making process, revealing the key factors that led him to Texas A&M and the reasons why he believes the Aggies are the right fit for his future.

One of the first factors that stood out to Watkins during his recruitment process was the relationship he built with the coaching staff at Texas A&M, particularly defensive coordinator Mike Elko. Watkins explained that, from the very beginning, he felt like he was part of the family, and this connection to the coaching staff played a significant role in his decision.

“I really connected with Coach Elko right away,” Watkins says. “The way he coaches, the way he sees the game, and the way he talks to his players—it’s different from any other staff I’ve talked to. I knew I would be in good hands at A&M.”

Mike Elko is widely regarded as one of the top defensive minds in college football, and his ability to develop defensive talent is one of the reasons why many elite recruits are eager to play for him. Watkins was impressed by Elko’s ability to break down film, his attention to detail, and his understanding of how to maximize each player’s potential.

Watkins also spoke highly of head coach Jimbo Fisher, noting that Fisher’s reputation for building strong, disciplined programs made a huge impact. Fisher’s leadership, particularly in terms of creating a winning culture and prioritizing player development, resonated with Watkins, who emphasized how important it was to him to play for a coach who values both excellence on the field and personal growth off of it.

“It wasn’t just about football,” Watkins explains. “Coach Fisher made it clear that they’re going to help me grow as a man. It’s more than just football here, and that’s something that really stood out to me.”

The Aggies’ commitment to developing players both as athletes and as individuals ultimately made a lasting impression on Watkins, and this relationship with the coaching staff was a critical part of his decision.

Another key factor in Watkins’ commitment to Texas A&M was the opportunity to play in a defense that is constantly evolving and built to win in the SEC. Watkins is a linebacker who excels at reading plays, reacting quickly, and being disruptive on the field, all qualities that are highly coveted in the SEC. He knew that by committing to Texas A&M, he would have the opportunity to play in a system that would maximize his strengths.

“Elko’s defense is a perfect fit for me,” Watkins says. “They ask their linebackers to do so many different things—covering, rushing the passer, stopping the run. I love being versatile, and that’s something they really emphasize here.”

Texas A&M has been making strides on the defensive side of the ball, with Elko’s system taking center stage in the Aggies’ rise to prominence. The linebacker position is one of the most important pieces in Elko’s defensive scheme, and Watkins sees the potential for himself to come in and make an immediate impact.

“There’s a lot of young talent here, but there’s also a real opportunity to come in and play early,” Watkins says. “The coaching staff made it clear that they value competition, and they want the best players on the field. That was huge for me because I’m all about competing and being in a program where you’re always getting better.”

For Watkins, the opportunity to compete for playing time early in his career was a driving factor. The chance to step onto the field in his first year and contribute to a program with championship aspirations was something he couldn’t pass up. The Aggies’ defense has been bolstered by several key recruits, and Watkins views himself as an important part of the future of that defense.

“Texas A&M has a great defense already, but I see where I can help take it to the next level,” Watkins says. “I think I’ll be able to come in and contribute right away, and that’s something I’m really looking forward to.”

In addition to the football program itself, Watkins was drawn to the family-like culture at Texas A&M. From the moment he stepped on campus, he could feel the sense of pride and unity that defines the Aggie community. Watkins mentions how important it was for him to find a school where the culture extended beyond just football, and Texas A&M’s tight-knit environment, which includes passionate fans and a strong sense of tradition, made a lasting impact.

“Everyone talks about the Aggie Network, and I can see why,” Watkins says. “It’s more than just a football program here; it’s a community. The people, the fans, the players—it’s all one big family, and that’s something that’s really important to me. I want to be part of something special, and Texas A&M feels like home.”

Watkins’ experience on his official visit to College Station was eye-opening. The atmosphere around the program, the camaraderie between teammates, and the pride in the school’s traditions were all things he found compelling. Whether it was walking around Kyle Field, meeting current players, or engaging with the coaching staff, Watkins could tell that Texas A&M was a place where he would be supported in every aspect of his life—on and off the field.

“One of the biggest things I noticed was the connection between the players,” Watkins recalls. “They all talk about how close they are, how they support each other on and off the field. That’s the kind of program I want to be a part of, a place where I’m not just a player, but a brother to everyone else.”

This sense of family and camaraderie was something that Watkins found to be incredibly appealing, especially when compared to other programs that didn’t emphasize community in the same way. While South Carolina made a strong push for Watkins’ commitment, he felt that the family atmosphere at Texas A&M was unmatched.

Another factor that played a key role in Watkins’ decision was the history of Texas A&M football and its track record of sending players to the NFL. While South Carolina is a respected program with a solid football tradition, Texas A&M’s reputation for developing talent and putting players in a position to succeed at the next level was a major selling point for Watkins.

“Texas A&M has a legacy of producing NFL talent, especially on defense,” Watkins says. “I want to get to the next level, and I know the coaching staff here has a proven track record of getting guys to the NFL. That’s something that’s very important to me.”

The Aggies’ success in developing NFL-caliber defensive players, including stars like Von Miller and Myles Garrett, shows that Texas A&M is a place where elite defensive talent can thrive. Watkins sees the potential for himself to follow in their footsteps and develop into a player who could one day be selected in the NFL Draft.

“I want to be the best linebacker I can be, and I know Coach Elko and the staff will get me there,” Watkins adds. “If I’m able to go to the NFL, that’s a dream come true, but it’s about the journey, and I feel like Texas A&M is the best place for me to grow and get there.”

Despite his eventual commitment to the Aggies, Watkins acknowledges that South Carolina made a serious push for his services. The Gamecocks’ coaching staff, led by head coach Shane Beamer, had invested significant time and energy in recruiting Watkins, and he was impressed by their approach. South Carolina offered him a strong sense of direction and an opportunity to be a leader on their defense.

“South Carolina was great to me throughout the process,” Watkins says. “They have a great program, and the coaching staff made me feel wanted. But at the end of the day, I felt like Texas A&M was the place where I could grow the most, compete at the highest level, and be part of something really special.”

While South Carolina was a strong contender for Watkins’ commitment, the combination of the Aggies’ elite coaching staff, winning culture, family atmosphere, and NFL development potential ultimately won him over. It was a decision that he believes will allow him to achieve both his short-term and long-term goals.

With his commitment to Texas A&M, Tamarion Watkins is poised to make a significant impact on the Aggie football program. As a 4-star linebacker, he brings a unique set of skills to the defense, including his ability to cover ground quickly, make plays in space, and be disruptive in both the run and pass game. His decision to choose Texas A&M over South Carolina is a major win for the Aggies as they continue to build a defense capable of competing for SEC titles and national championships.

“I’m really excited for the future,” Watkins says. “I’m looking forward to getting to College Station, getting to work, and doing whatever I can to help the team win. I’m ready to be a part of something special.”