Texas A&M Football Secures Top Three Spot Alongside Oregon and Alabama for Coveted Five-Star Edge Rusher Anthony ‘Tank’ Jones

Texas A&M continues to assert itself as a national recruiting power, securing a coveted position in the final three for one of the top defensive prospects in the 2025 class — Anthony “Tank” Jones. The five-star edge rusher announced on Tuesday that he is down to Texas A&M, Oregon, and Alabama, narrowing his list from over 30 offers to just three elite programs. This pivotal decision not only highlights Jones’ importance on the national recruiting stage but underscores the aggressive and strategic recruiting efforts of head coach Mike Elko and his staff.

Ranked as the No. 2 edge rusher and a top-15 overall prospect in the 2025 recruiting cycle by multiple services, Jones is the type of program-altering talent that every blue blood program covets. Standing at 6-foot-5 and weighing 245 pounds, with explosive first-step quickness, long arms, and an NFL-caliber motor, Jones has drawn comparisons to Myles Garrett — and not just because he’s considering Texas A&M. Jones is a game-wrecker, plain and simple.

The Importance of Tank Jones in the 2025 Cycle

For Texas A&M, the significance of being in Jones’ final three cannot be overstated. After years of top-10 recruiting classes under Jimbo Fisher, new head coach Mike Elko has managed to keep the Aggies nationally relevant on the trail. Landing a talent like Jones would serve as a marquee statement that Texas A&M can not only identify elite talent but also close the deal amid fierce national competition.

Elko, who built his reputation as a defensive guru during his first stint in College Station as defensive coordinator (2018–2021), knows just how transformative a five-star edge rusher can be for a defense. In Jones, Elko sees a player who can anchor a defensive front, apply pressure without blitz help, and take over games in the SEC — arguably the most physical league in college football.

How Texas A&M Got Here

Texas A&M’s inclusion in Jones’ final three is the result of months of groundwork by area recruiter and defensive ends coach Terry Price, along with Elko himself. The Aggies offered Jones early in his junior season, and they’ve maintained consistent communication with him and his family.

Jones, who plays for powerhouse St. Frances Academy in Baltimore, Maryland, has made multiple unofficial visits to College Station. He recently told 247Sports that he’s “felt the love every time” he’s stepped on campus and that “Coach Elko has a real vision for how he’d use me.”

The Aggies also benefit from their SEC identity. Jones has repeatedly emphasized his desire to play against the best competition, and the opportunity to line up against blue-chip tackles every Saturday in the SEC is a draw that neither Oregon nor Alabama can claim quite like Texas A&M can — at least in terms of development pipelines and exposure.

The Oregon Factor

Oregon continues to be a major player in the recruitment of elite defensive linemen, especially after their move to the Big Ten and recent success under Dan Lanning. The Ducks have made major noise nationally with strong NIL backing, creative recruiting pitches, and a brand that resonates with today’s athletes.

Lanning, formerly the defensive coordinator for Georgia’s national title team, has personally recruited Jones and made it clear that Oregon will do whatever it takes to land him. The Ducks’ defensive scheme is also highly attractive to edge rushers, giving them freedom to get after the quarterback without being asked to drop into coverage too often.

Oregon is expected to receive one of Jones’ final official visits in early fall, giving them a major chance to impress before decision day.

The Alabama Threat

Alabama’s inclusion is no surprise. While Nick Saban’s retirement shook the recruiting world, new head coach Kalen DeBoer has kept the Crimson Tide in the thick of things for nearly every five-star on the board. Jones has visited Tuscaloosa twice and has had extensive talks with defensive coordinator Kane Wommack and defensive line coach Freddie Roach.

What Alabama offers is a proven track record of developing elite pass rushers for the NFL. From Will Anderson to Dallas Turner, the pipeline speaks for itself, and Jones has taken notice. Alabama’s ability to mix tradition, development, and high-level competition remains a potent recruiting formula.

A&M’s NIL and Relationship Edge

In an era where name, image, and likeness (NIL) plays an increasing role in recruiting, Texas A&M is well-positioned. The Aggies have one of the more organized and aggressive NIL infrastructures in the SEC, and while details remain private, it’s clear the program can put competitive packages on the table.

More importantly, the Aggies have leaned into relationship-building — something that resonates with Jones and his inner circle. Jones’ family has expressed appreciation for how Texas A&M has consistently treated them like a priority without being pushy. That balance — aggressive recruitment mixed with genuine interest — may ultimately be the key in sealing the deal.

Scheme Fit: How Jones Would Be Used at A&M

From a schematic standpoint, Jones is a dream fit in Elko’s 4-2-5 base defense. He projects as a strong-side defensive end with the athleticism to kick inside on passing downs or stand up in hybrid packages. Elko’s defense thrives on versatility, and Jones has the skill set to be a three-down player from day one.

Texas A&M also offers him early playing time. While the Aggies have talent in the front seven, including recent blue-chip signees like David Hicks Jr. and LT Overton, there’s room on the depth chart for a star like Jones to make an immediate impact.

Defensive line coach Terry Price, known for his player development and connection with athletes, has emphasized the opportunity for Jones to be a foundational piece — not just another cog in the system.

When Will Jones Decide?

Jones has not set a firm commitment date but has mentioned wanting to make a decision before his senior season kicks off in late August. He is expected to take official visits to all three finalists, and the final stretch of July into early August will be critical.

Jones’ recruitment has been relatively drama-free compared to others in the 2025 cycle. He’s said from the start that he’s looking for a school that offers a combination of development, competition, culture, and life after football — not just flashy facilities or NIL promises.

What’s Next for Texas A&M

Landing Jones would mark one of the biggest recruiting victories of the Mike Elko era and provide momentum for a class that’s already on pace to finish in the top 10 nationally. The Aggies currently hold commitments from several high-potential defensive prospects, but adding a five-star like Jones would elevate the class to elite status.

Even if A&M finishes second or third, staying in the fight for players like Jones shows that Elko’s recruiting machine is not slowing down. After a challenging transition from the Fisher era, Elko has stabilized the program and re-established the Aggies as a recruiting force — not just in Texas, but nationally.

Anthony “Tank” Jones is the type of player who changes the trajectory of a defense — and a program. His final three of Texas A&M, Oregon, and Alabama represents the best of what college football has to offer in terms of culture, competition, and development.

For the Aggies, making the final cut is significant. But closing the deal would be monumental. The next few weeks could define not only the future of A&M’s 2025 class but the beginning of a defensive identity under Mike Elko that rivals the SEC’s best.

One thing is certain: wherever Tank Jones goes, he’s going to leave an impact. Texas A&M is doing everything in its power to make sure that impact is made in College Station.