2026 4-star LB will take an unofficial visit to Texas A&M this summer

Texas A&M’s 2026 Visitors List Continues to Grow, with 4-Star Linebacker Jakore Smith Set to Visit this Summer

As college football recruiting heats up for the 2026 class, Texas A&M continues to make waves in the recruiting world, building an impressive list of visits from top prospects. One such prospect who has captured the attention of Aggies fans and coaches alike is Jakore Smith, a 4-star linebacker from St. John’s College High School in Washington, D.C. Smith recently announced that he will be making an official visit to Texas A&M this summer, marking a significant development in his recruitment.

For Jimbo Fisher and his staff, securing an official visit from a player of Smith’s caliber is an important step in strengthening the program’s defense for years to come. With Smith‘s outstanding skills, versatility, and potential, his recruitment will be closely followed by fans, analysts, and college football enthusiasts as it unfolds over the coming months.

In this article, we will explore Jakore Smith’s background, his skills on the field, why Texas A&M is a top contender for his commitment, and the broader implications of this visit for both Smith and the Aggies’ future. We will also discuss how Smith fits into the broader landscape of Texas A&M’s 2026 recruiting class and the importance of adding a prospect of his caliber to their defense.

Jakore Smith: The Rise of a 4-Star Linebacker

Jakore Smith, a standout linebacker in the 2026 recruiting class, has become one of the most highly sought-after players in the nation. Standing at 6-foot-2 and weighing 210 pounds, Smith boasts the ideal frame for a linebacker at the collegiate level. His combination of size, speed, and instincts has made him a major target for college football programs across the country.

Smith’s high school career at St. John’s College High School has been nothing short of impressive. As a key contributor to one of the top programs in Washington, D.C., Smith has shown his ability to dominate in all phases of the game. Whether he’s stuffing the run, blitzing the quarterback, or dropping into pass coverage, Smith’s versatility has set him apart from other linebackers in his class. His football IQ allows him to read plays and make adjustments on the fly, and his ability to adapt to different defensive schemes speaks to his high potential at the next level.

Why Texas A&M?

As one of the top programs in the SEC, Texas A&M has long been a destination for some of the nation’s best recruits, and Jakore Smith is no exception. The Aggies, led by head coach Jimbo Fisher, have built a reputation for developing top-tier talent, particularly on the defensive side of the ball. Fisher’s focus on building a championship-caliber defense has made Texas A&M an attractive landing spot for many elite defensive prospects, and Smith is the latest to express interest.

What makes Texas A&M especially appealing to Smith? Several factors come into play.

1. Defensive Development: Texas A&M has a strong track record of developing linebackers and defensive players in general. Over the years, the Aggies have produced several players who have gone on to have successful careers in the NFL, including standout linebackers and defensive backs. The Aggies’ coaching staff, led by Fisher, has a reputation for maximizing players’ potential, and Smith could see Texas A&M as a place to develop into a future professional prospect.
2. Defensive Scheme Fit: Smith’s skill set aligns well with Texas A&M’s defensive philosophy. Known for its aggressive, multi-faceted defense, Texas A&M frequently utilizes linebackers in a variety of roles, including as pass rushers, coverage specialists, and run-stoppers. This fits perfectly with Smith’s versatile playing style, allowing him to contribute in a variety of ways. Given the depth of talent in the Aggies’ linebacker corps, Smith would have the opportunity to compete for immediate playing time while also growing under the tutelage of a coaching staff that emphasizes development.
3. SEC Competition: For a player like Smith, the SEC represents the highest level of college football competition. As one of the premier conferences in the country, the SEC attracts some of the best players in the nation, and Smith may be eager to prove himself against the best. The opportunity to play in a conference known for its physicality, speed, and high-level play would undoubtedly be an attractive factor in his recruitment.
4. Campus and Facilities: Texas A&M is renowned for its world-class facilities, which include top-tier strength and conditioning programs, state-of-the-art training rooms, and first-rate academic support for athletes. Smith will have the chance to experience firsthand what it would be like to be a student-athlete at Texas A&M, giving him a chance to decide if the Aggies’ culture and environment fit with his goals and aspirations.
5. Coaching Staff: The coaching staff at Texas A&M, headed by Jimbo Fisher, has a reputation for providing excellent support to athletes on and off the field. Fisher’s experience and track record of developing players into NFL-caliber talents will undoubtedly be a key factor for Smith in his recruitment. Additionally, defensive coordinator DJ Durkin is known for his ability to mold defensive players into stars, making him an attractive mentor for Smith.

The Importance of the Official Visit

Official visits play a crucial role in the recruiting process, giving prospective athletes the opportunity to visit campuses, meet with coaching staff, and get a feel for the program. For Jakore Smith, the decision to visit Texas A&M this summer will allow him to see the Aggies’ facilities, interact with the coaching staff, and learn more about the program’s culture. These visits are often the final step before a recruit makes a commitment, and they can significantly influence the decision-making process.

During his visit, Smith will likely have the chance to meet with Jimbo Fisher, DJ Durkin, and other members of the coaching staff to discuss how he fits into the team’s long-term plans. He will also be able to observe the Aggies’ practices and workouts, providing him with a first-hand look at how the team operates. Additionally, Smith will be able to interact with players currently on the roster, which could help him get a sense of the team dynamic and whether he can see himself fitting in with the squad.

For Texas A&M, this visit is an opportunity to impress one of the nation’s top linebackers and show him why the Aggies are the best fit for his college career. The coaching staff will likely highlight their development track record, showcase their commitment to building a championship-caliber defense, and emphasize the unique opportunities that come with playing for a program like Texas A&M.

The Bigger Picture: How This Visit Fits into Texas A&M’s 2026 Recruiting Class

The visit from Jakore Smith is just one piece of the puzzle as Texas A&M continues to build its 2026 recruiting class. Over the past several months, the Aggies have made a concerted effort to bring in top-tier talent at multiple positions, with a particular focus on defense. With recruits like Smith, the Aggies are building a foundation that could yield a championship-caliber team in the coming years.

Adding a linebacker like Smith to the roster would be a huge win for Texas A&M, as the Aggies are looking to solidify their defense for the future. Smith’s combination of athleticism, intelligence, and leadership would make him an immediate impact player, and he could develop into one of the cornerstones of the Aggies’ defense. Pairing him with other high-profile recruits in the 2026 class would position Texas A&M to continue its ascent in the SEC and elevate the program to new heights.

Furthermore, Smith’s recruitment highlights Texas A&M’s growing reputation as a top destination for elite defensive talent. As more and more recruits see the Aggies’ success on the recruiting trail, Texas A&M’s profile continues to rise, making it an increasingly attractive option for top-tier prospects.

The Next Steps: What to Watch For

As Jakore Smith prepares for his official visit to Texas A&M in the summer, the next few months will be critical in his recruitment process. He is expected to take other visits, and his decision will ultimately come down to a variety of factors, including the relationships he forms with coaches, his comfort with the program’s culture, and his long-term development as a player.

For Texas A&M, the focus will be on impressing Smith during his visit and showcasing the program’s strengths. If the Aggies can make a strong impression and continue their efforts on the recruiting trail, they could be in a good position to secure Smith’s commitment, which would represent a major victory for the program.

As the recruiting process unfolds, all eyes will be on Jakore Smith and his journey toward finding the right college football program to suit his talents. For Texas A&M, the pursuit of a top-tier linebacker like Smith underscores the Aggies’ commitment to building a defense that can compete at the highest levels of college football. The stakes are high, and the future is bright for both Smith and the Aggies.