Recruiting is a completely different world than it was just a few years ago. Programs are no longer focused only on bringing in new players. They also have to continually rebuild their roster because of the loose transfer portal rules and the growing influence of NIL. Under Mike Elko, Texas A&M has been one of the more successful programs at retaining key contributors while still adding high‑end talent.
Elko recently spoke at the Texas High School Coaches Association Coach School conference and explained how his staff approaches the modern recruiting landscape. For Texas A&M, everything begins with high school recruiting. That is the foundation of the program he is building and the core of what he believes creates long‑term stability. From there, the staff evaluates the transfer portal for the best available players who fit both the roster needs and the culture he has established in College Station.
He has backed up those words with action. This was his first full offseason to truly attack the recruiting trail with the culture in place and the resources aligned. After a historic eleven-win season that proved A&M can be a regular College Football Playoff contender, Elko has carried that momentum into another strong cycle. The Aggies now hold the No.1 ranked recruiting class heading into the 2026 season.
Below, you can hear Elko explain in his own words how he believes a program should be built and why this approach is designed to sustain success far into the future.
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This article originally appeared on Aggies Wire: Mike Elko explains Aggies’ recruiting blueprint for long-term success
Reporting by Jarrett Johnson, Aggies Wire / Aggies Wire
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
By Jarrett Johnson, Aggies Wire | USA TODAY Network
