Three-star DL Damaad Lewis stuns college football, committing to Texas A&M over LSU and Tennessee, citing belief in Aggies’ future.

In a recruiting cycle filled with surprises, perhaps none has sent more shockwaves through the college football landscape than three-star defensive lineman Damaad Lewis announcing his commitment to Texas A&M. The 6-foot-4, 285-pound standout from Buford High School in Georgia was widely projected to choose between LSU and Tennessee, two programs with a long-standing reputation for producing elite defensive linemen. However, in a move that has stunned analysts and delighted Aggie fans, Lewis pledged his future to Texas A&M and first-year head coach Mike Elko.

Lewis, ranked the No. 48 defensive lineman nationally by 247Sports and the No. 17 player in Georgia, cited his growing relationship with Elko’s staff, belief in the program’s future, and a vision of personal development as the primary factors in his decision. It’s a massive win for the Aggies, who continue to stockpile talent in the trenches despite a recent coaching transition.

The Decision That Caught Everyone Off Guard

Heading into the final stretch of his recruitment, most insiders believed Lewis would end up in Baton Rouge or Knoxville. LSU had pitched him a chance to play early in a system that has been kind to linemen transitioning to the NFL. Tennessee, meanwhile, offered continuity, culture, and proximity. The Vols had hosted Lewis on an unofficial visit in March, and he left raving about the facilities and staff.

But in a social media post with a Texas A&M hat on the table and a graphic reading “100% Committed,” Lewis made it official.

“I prayed on this, talked with my family, and ultimately felt that College Station is where I’m meant to be,” Lewis said. “Coach Elko and Coach Robinson believe in me, and I believe in them. I want to be part of something that’s building.”

What Texas A&M is Getting in Lewis

Though Lewis is a three-star prospect on paper, he’s been turning heads at camps and showcases throughout the Southeast. His combination of power, quick hands, and relentless motor makes him an intriguing prospect with the potential to develop into a high-impact SEC lineman. He plays with excellent pad level, has a strong base, and is equally effective against the run and pass.

At Buford, Lewis helped anchor one of the most dominant defensive lines in Georgia’s top classification. He recorded 12 sacks and 21 tackles for loss as a junior, and his coaches often described him as the “heartbeat of the defense.”

Texas A&M’s defensive line already features some serious talent, but Lewis brings a different kind of edge—an underdog mentality, a chip on his shoulder, and the kind of toughness that Elko wants as a foundation for his rebuild.

Mike Elko’s Recruiting Momentum Grows

When Mike Elko returned to College Station after a successful stint at Duke, many questioned whether he could replicate the recruiting success that Texas A&M had under Jimbo Fisher. Those doubts are quickly fading. Elko has re-energized the Aggies’ recruiting department and is selling a message of development, accountability, and future NFL opportunities.

Landing Lewis over two high-powered SEC rivals is more than just a recruiting win—it’s a statement.

“We’re building something special here,” Elko said during a recent radio appearance. “We want kids who want to work, who want to be great, and who want to win in College Station. Damaad fits that mold perfectly.”

The commitment from Lewis now gives the Aggies 11 pledges in the 2025 cycle, moving them into the top 20 of the national rankings. And more could be on the way, as Texas A&M is firmly in the mix for several blue-chip defenders and offensive linemen.

How LSU and Tennessee Will Respond

For LSU, this is a tough blow. Brian Kelly’s staff had prioritized Lewis early, and there was a strong belief he’d join the Tigers’ already formidable defensive line haul. Losing him to a division rival adds salt to the wound.

Tennessee, too, had invested considerable time in recruiting Lewis. Defensive line coach Rodney Garner was personally involved in his recruitment, making multiple visits and hosting him in Knoxville for a gameday. Sources close to the Vols say the staff believed they were the frontrunner until just a few days before the announcement.

That’s the nature of recruiting in the NIL era—fast-moving, emotional, and often unpredictable. Neither LSU nor Tennessee will slow down, but this one will sting.

The Bigger Picture for Texas A&M’s Defensive Line

Damaad Lewis joins a group that is suddenly one of the most talked-about in the SEC. Between veterans returning from last year’s team, young up-and-comers like David Hicks Jr., and now high-potential signees like Lewis, the Aggies’ defensive line room is getting crowded—in a good way.

There’s also a noticeable shift in the profile of players Elko is targeting: blue-collar, high-effort linemen who may not all be five-stars, but who fit the mold of foundational players. It’s a return to the gritty, lunch-pail mentality that Elko emphasized when he served as Texas A&M’s defensive coordinator under Jimbo Fisher from 2018 to 2021.

“I’m not worried about stars,” Elko said recently. “I’m worried about motor, discipline, and production.”

With Lewis, he seems to have found all three.

Reactions From Around the College Football World

The news of Lewis’ commitment spread quickly, with fans and analysts alike expressing surprise and admiration.

ESPN’s Tom Luginbill tweeted:

“Huge pick-up for Elko and the Aggies. Damaad Lewis is better than his ranking and will make an early impact.”

Former Texas A&M legend Myles Garrett also chimed in on Instagram, posting a congratulatory message to Lewis and saying, “Welcome to the family. Let’s get to work.”

Aggie fans flooded Lewis’ social media pages with welcoming messages, gifs of the 12th Man, and promises that he made the right choice.

What’s Next for Lewis and Texas A&M

Lewis plans to enroll early at Texas A&M, giving him a head start on learning the playbook and adapting to college life. He’ll likely redshirt his first year while adding mass and refining technique under the tutelage of the Aggies’ strength and conditioning staff. But don’t be surprised if he finds his way into the rotation by the midpoint of his freshman season.

For Texas A&M, this commitment could be the start of a hot recruiting streak. The Aggies are trending for several top defensive prospects, including four-star edge rusher Zaire Patterson and highly-rated safety Ashton Carter.

Final Thoughts

Damaad Lewis’ decision to commit to Texas A&M over two SEC powerhouses is a classic example of recruiting being about fit—not just fame. In choosing the Aggies, Lewis saw an opportunity to build, to be coached hard, and to develop into a future NFL player in a system that values effort and grit.

For Mike Elko, it’s a major win that underscores the momentum he’s building in College Station. For the rest of the SEC, it’s a reminder that the Aggies are not fading quietly—they’re just getting started.