Texas A&M Football Class of 2026 Safety Target Jerih Edwards Earns Five-Star Status After Major Rise in ESPN 300 Rankings

The recruiting momentum for Texas A&M football continues to build, and one of its top defensive targets just took a significant leap forward. Jerih Edwards, a premier safety in the Class of 2026, has officially ascended to five-star status in the latest ESPN 300 rankings—a major recognition that validates both his talent and potential. With this rise, Texas A&M’s interest in Edwards has only intensified, and the Aggies remain firmly in the mix for one of the nation’s most coveted defenders.

Edwards’ move up the rankings didn’t happen overnight. The 6-foot-2, 195-pound safety from Cedar Hill High School in Texas has steadily built an elite résumé through dominant on-field performances, elite testing numbers, and standout appearances at national recruiting events. His new five-star rating on ESPN’s updated Top 300 list now places him among the top 30 players nationally, and among the top three safeties in the 2026 cycle.

From Local Standout to National Star

Jerih Edwards began making waves early in his high school career, but it wasn’t until his sophomore season that he truly broke out. During the 2023 campaign, he racked up over 85 total tackles, five interceptions, and two forced fumbles, anchoring a Cedar Hill defense that routinely matched up against some of the best offenses in Texas high school football.

Edwards combines physicality, football IQ, and rare versatility. He can cover elite wideouts one-on-one, crash down into the box to stop the run, and roam deep as a traditional free safety. His game film shows a player with both explosive closing speed and patience in coverage—a rare combination for a high school defender.

“Jerih is one of those guys who you know has ‘it’ the second you see him play,” said Cedar Hill head coach Carlos Lynn. “He leads by example, he’s got incredible instincts, and he plays the game with the kind of confidence and swagger you only see in the great ones.”

The Jump to Five Stars

The recent re-evaluation by ESPN’s scouting department elevated Edwards from a high four-star prospect to a full five-star, thanks in part to his elite performances during the spring camp circuit. At The Opening and ESPN Underclassman Showcase events, he was a consensus standout—clocking sub-4.5 40-yard dashes, demonstrating elite hip fluidity in coverage drills, and earning rave reviews from national analysts.

“He was simply the best defensive back we saw all weekend,” one ESPN recruiting analyst said. “Edwards plays with incredible balance and timing, and when he lines up, you can tell he wants to shut everyone down. He’s a tone-setter.”

His combination of size, athleticism, and versatility has drawn comparisons to recent NFL Draft picks like Brian Branch and Kyle Hamilton—hybrid safeties who can dominate in multiple roles. Those traits are precisely what have made him so valuable in the eyes of elite Power Five programs, including Texas A&M.

Texas A&M’s Pursuit: A Strong Relationship Growing

Texas A&M has been recruiting Edwards for over a year and is among the first programs to offer him. Aggies defensive backs coach Ishmael Aristide and head coach Mike Elko have made Edwards a top priority in their 2026 defensive class. According to sources close to Edwards, the bond between the player and the Aggies staff is strong—and growing stronger by the week.

“The thing about A&M is, they’ve always kept it real with me,” Edwards said in a recent interview. “They check in with me, they talk about more than just football, and they’ve got a plan for me if I come there.”

Edwards has already visited College Station twice and is expected to return this fall for an official visit during one of Texas A&M’s high-profile SEC matchups. The program is selling him on an opportunity to be an immediate contributor in an aggressive defensive scheme that plays to his strengths—range, tackling, and ball skills.

“He fits perfectly in what we want to do,” said one Texas A&M staffer familiar with his recruitment. “He can play deep, cover the slot, or line up in the box. He’s a modern SEC safety with old-school toughness.”

A Competitive Recruitment: Who Else Is in the Mix?

Despite Texas A&M’s early lead, Edwards’ recruitment is far from over. Several blueblood programs have increased their pursuit since his five-star jump. Alabama, Ohio State, Georgia, and LSU are all firmly in the picture and have offered the elite safety, while programs like USC, Oregon, and Texas are also trying to keep him closer to home.

Edwards has not yet named a list of finalists, but he is expected to trim his list by the end of the year. One factor working in Texas A&M’s favor is its track record of developing NFL-caliber defensive backs, especially under Elko’s defensive leadership.

Another advantage is the proximity to home. Edwards has close family ties in the Dallas-Fort Worth area, and his parents are believed to favor programs that allow them to attend games regularly. College Station, a 3.5-hour drive from Cedar Hill, offers a convenient balance between elite football and family accessibility.

What His Ranking Means for Texas A&M’s 2026 Class

Should Texas A&M land Jerih Edwards, it would mark a signature moment for its 2026 recruiting class. Already off to a solid start, the Aggies are aiming to build one of the nation’s premier defensive hauls in a cycle stacked with talent in the Lone Star State.

A commitment from Edwards would not only give the Aggies a cornerstone safety—it would also likely help them recruit other top defenders. In today’s recruiting landscape, elite players often serve as magnets for others, particularly at key positions like quarterback and safety.

“Getting a guy like Jerih gives you instant credibility with other five-stars,” said 247Sports recruiting analyst Steve Wiltfong. “He’s a leader, he’s respected by other recruits, and he raises the bar for everyone around him.”

Edwards’ Mentality: Work Over Hype

Despite his rise in national rankings, Edwards has remained humble and focused. He frequently posts training videos on social media with messages like “Still not done” or “Five star? Earn it every day.” That mindset has only added to his appeal for college coaches.

“He doesn’t act like he’s already made it,” said his personal trainer, Michael Green, who has worked with Edwards since eighth grade. “He shows up at 6 a.m. for workouts, he studies film, and he’s always asking how to get better. That’s rare at this age.”

That relentless drive could make Edwards not just a star in college—but potentially a future NFL first-round pick if he continues on his current trajectory.

What’s Next for Edwards?

As the 2024 high school football season approaches, all eyes will be on Edwards as he leads Cedar Hill into what’s expected to be a breakout year for the program. He’ll likely play multiple roles, including safety, nickel corner, and even some wide receiver snaps, showcasing his versatility for scouts and fans alike.

On the recruiting front, Edwards has said he’ll begin taking official visits after his junior season and is likely to commit before the start of his senior year. Texas A&M will almost certainly receive one of those official visits, and the Aggies are expected to roll out the red carpet when he returns to College Station.

Jerih Edwards’ rise to five-star status on the ESPN 300 is both a personal triumph and a potential recruiting game-changer for Texas A&M. As one of the most complete defensive backs in the Class of 2026, his blend of talent, work ethic, and leadership has captured the attention of college football’s biggest programs.

For Texas A&M, the challenge now is to close the deal. The Aggies have positioned themselves well in his recruitment, and with a strong 2025 season, they could tip the scales in their favor.

Whether or not he ultimately dons the maroon and white, one thing is certain—Jerih Edwards has arrived, and he’s only getting started.