Things are already tough for the Texas A&M head coach, Mike Elko. Thanks to his predecessor, Jimbo Fisher. Fisher’s tenure ended with a massive $76 million buyout after just six seasons, showing how quickly Texas A&M pulls the trigger when things go wrong. Understanding this history, Elko is now on a mission to build a strong foundation for the program. And what better way to do that than stocking his toolbox (read: players)?

When it comes to the 2026 class, Elko is already catching up to the pace. Texas A&M now stands at the No.6 spot in the list of On3’s 2026 Industry Ranking Football Team Recruiting Rankings. As of now, they have already hunted down sixteen recruits. And guess what? Five of them came in the month of June. The latest addition came on June 16 as 4-star offensive tackle Samuel Roseborough boarded Elko’s wagon.

On June 16, Hayes Fawcett posted on IG, “BREAKING: Four-Star OT Samuel Roseborough has Committed to Texas A&M, he tells me for @on3recruits.” To secure the 6’5″, 295-pound talent, Elko outmaneuvered Texas, Florida State, and Ohio State. And the young chap from Clearwater, Florida, is already beaming with high energy.

“Next chapter: College Station. Let’s build something special. GigEm!” Roseborough said. The No. 26 overall player in the state of Florida joins Elko’s other June signees, including 4-star cornerback Camren Hamiel, 4-star safety Chance Collins, 3-star quarterback Kaeden Johnson, and kicker Asher Murray.

In June, Roseborough had taken two official visits. Elko’s Aggies on June 5 and Steve Sarkisian’s Texas Longhorns on June 13. Now, why is his addition a blessing for Texas A&M? According to 247Sports director of scouting Andrew Ivins, Roseborough could eventually bring some versatility to the offensive line for a potential title contender. Praising Elko’s latest hunt, the analyst shared, “Active offensive lineman with the build, power and tenacity to make a difference in the run game. Projects at this stage as a potential multi-year starter for a College Football Playoff hopeful that should offer some inside-outside versatility when he arrives at the school of his choice.” Roseborough’s experience is something that might have caught Elko’s attention.

He spent his junior year working at right tackle for Clearwater, helping the school make Florida’s 4A playoffs. As per MaxPreps, the offensive tackle also got snaps on the defensive side of the ball and was credited with 14 tackles and one sack. That is what makes Roseborough the first offensive line commitment of Elko’s 2026 class. Keeping their success on the recruiting trail aside, Elko and the Aggies have already been blessed with some motivational juice. 

Mike Elko and Texas A&M are flying under the radar

Walking into 2025, Texas A&M already looks good in the quarterback room. Marcel Reed’s progress as a pocket passer looked above average during the Maroon & White spring game. His new wide receiver corps comes off as a package, armed with accuracy and touch. So, the roster looks all prim and proper. However, there is often something that the head coaches have to accept, no matter how brutal it is. That’s the schedule.

But looks like Elko won’t have to worry much until and unless he keeps working on the things under his control. As Greg McElroy shared, “Texas A&M and head coach Mike Elko, their overunder win total is at 8 ½. They had eight wins last year, and if you look at their schedule…there’s four games you would think are winnable immediately.” For a 9 or 10-win season, Elko’s team needs to secure victories in home games against UTSA, Utah State, Samford, and Mississippi State. But they face a challenging four-week stretch with road trips to Notre Dame, Arkansas, and Missouri, which could impact their record.

McElroy further added, “[TexasA&M] should be sitting pretty this year. And if they could continue to be as good on defense as I anticipate them being and make some progress offensively while staying healthy, I think A&M’s one of those teams that not enough people are talking about going into this upcoming season. I think A&M Aggies have a chance to really threaten.” If Mike Elko wants to prepare for 2025 and secure his job, he should study the Aggies’ history, especially the 2020 Orange Bowl Championship team.