Recruiting never stops in college football. And as the National Signing Day fades in the rearview, the race for top-tier talent in the 2026 cycle has already begun. With Shane Beamer and Kirby Smart are eyeing a prized RB, it seemed like they might just have the edge. But in a dramatic turn of events, another program took the lead in the recruiting game as South Carolina and Georgia waited behind the line. And this time, it’s Mike Elko‘s turn to shine.

On3’s Chad Simmons dropped a bombshell on X on February 8, revealing Carsyn Baker’s decision — “4-star RB Carsyn Baker of Langston Hughes in Fairburn, Ga. has locked in his first official visit. It is to Texas A&M on June 20.” The No. 18 RB of his class already made unofficial visits to other schools in pursuit of him including a trip to South Carolina and Georgia, among others. But as we can see, Mike Elko’s recruiting power is rising with “3 commitments from prospects in Georgia, including Baker’s teammate, TE Xavier Tiller.”

Carsyn Baker is no stranger to elite attention. With a whopping 48 offers from various schools like Auburn, Ole Miss, and Kentucky, his talent is undeniable. In 2024, he locked in 1,282 yards and 13 touchdowns on 145 carries averaging 8.8 yards per carry. But what truly sets him apart from other RBs of his class is his blazing speed. An explosive runner, he set a wind-aided personal best record of 10.65 (3.6) in the 100m dash, which only enhances his football scope. 

For the Aggies, things are looking promising. Carson Baker has already expressed his fondness for the program after his visit to Kyle Field in the fall. “It was rocking there,” he confessed. “There were 109,000 people inside the stadium. Coach Trooper Taylor, he’s a great guy, along with the rest of the staff. The fans make you feel welcome. The commits that were there telling me that it is the place to be and how much they love it there. I am staying in touch and continuing to build my relationship with Coach Trooper.” Given that he has teammates aboard makes this visit much more interesting. Their 2026 class is already looking good with 10 commits. But Texas A&M isn’t without stiff competition. 

Carsyn Baker’s interest in Georgia

Texas A&M may have landed the first official visit from Carsyn Baker. But South Carolina and Georgia won’t be backing down anytime soon. Kirby Smart will have to maintain the momentum with the 6’2, 210-pounder after his unofficial visit on January 18. Georgia had always been in the cards for the coveted RB. When he visited Athens in the fall and received an offer, he told Chad Simmons that the Bulldogs’ offer is something he had been “working all these years” to get. 

Carsyn Baker closed out January with another unofficial visit to South Carolina on January 25. Shane Beamer is pushing hard on this gem during his Columbia visit making the HS star feel like a priority. But the hope still remains as both schools fit in Baker’s wish list. “I want to play for a school that is winning and help them keep winning, so we can all compete for a national title every year,” he boldly declared. 

For now, the race for Carsyn Baker’s commitment remains wide open. But with Texas A&M making the first move by locking in his OV, Mike Elko has given the Aggies a golden opportunity to show Baker why three Georgia players are already committed to their program.