Recruiting Battle Heats Up Between LSU and Texas A&M for Top Prospects
In the ever-intense world of college football recruiting, head coaches are constantly looking for ways to flip top recruits, making it almost a routine part of their job. Deion Sanders recently demonstrated this by successfully pulling Julian Lewis away from USC. Now, LSU head coach Brian Kelly and Texas A&M’s Mike Elko are locked in a battle for two highly sought-after prospects, both of whom could significantly impact their respective programs.
The Focus on Two Key Recruits
One of the primary targets for both LSU and Texas A&M is four-star offensive lineman Lamar Brown. Brown is not just a standout football player but also an accomplished track and field athlete, having excelled in the 3A state shot put competition as a sophomore. Both programs see his potential, and the recruitment race for him is heating up.
Additionally, the recruitment of Aaron Gregory, the No. 8 wide receiver in the 2026 class, is creating waves. Gregory, who had previously committed to Texas A&M, is now being actively pursued by LSU. Ranked No. 57 overall in the 2026 class by the 247Sports Composite, Gregory was previously ranked No. 36 at the time of his initial commitment to A&M. However, recent developments suggest he may be reconsidering his options, especially with LSU emerging as a strong contender. While he has yet to schedule an official visit to Baton Rouge, his growing interest in LSU could indicate a shift in his commitment status.
Gregory is an elite multi-sport athlete, excelling both on the football field and in track events. Losing such a dynamic player to LSU would be a major blow for Texas A&M, as he has been a key part of their future plans. His high school career at Augusta Christian has showcased his versatility, impacting both offense and defense. If he ultimately flips to LSU, it could significantly alter the outlook for Texas A&M’s 2026 recruiting class.
The Race for Jabari Mack
Another name generating buzz in the recruiting battle is four-star wide receiver Jabari Mack from Destrehan High School in New Orleans. Although Mack briefly fell out of the top 10 rankings last month, his stock is rising once again as he approaches his college decision.
Mack has lined up four major official visits for the summer:
Ohio State on May 31
Texas A&M on June 5
Texas on June 14
LSU on June 21
Both Brian Kelly and Mike Elko are pushing hard to land Mack, but Texas appears to have a strong lead in the race for his commitment. However, there’s still hope for LSU and Texas A&M, as Mack already visited both schools, along with Texas, during the winter and plans to return in the spring. This gives LSU and A&M another opportunity to make their case before he finalizes his decision.
Texas A&M’s Struggles with Player Development
While Texas A&M has consistently recruited well, there are concerns about the program’s ability to translate high school talent into NFL-ready players. In his first year at A&M, Mike Elko inherited a team that had strong recruiting rankings under former head coach Jimbo Fisher, but questions remain about the program’s overall development.
CBS analyst Josh Pate recently pointed out that while Texas A&M has consistently ranked high in recruiting, the program has struggled to produce NFL talent. He noted that Texas Longhorns, under head coach Steve Sarkisian, had significantly more players showcased at the NFL Combine, making them a more attractive destination for recruits looking to make it to the next level.
Mike Elko has acknowledged this issue and emphasized that A&M must do more than just land elite prospects—it must also develop them into professional-caliber players. Only three A&M players—Nic Scourton, Shemar Turner, and Shemar Stewart—made it to the Combine this year, which is far below the expectations for an SEC powerhouse. This shortcoming could hurt A&M’s ability to secure top recruits, as many young athletes prioritize programs that consistently send players to the NFL.
Elko has made it clear that his focus is on increasing the number of NFL-level players on the roster to ensure long-term success. However, until A&M proves it can develop top recruits into professional stars, it may struggle to compete with LSU and other SEC programs for elite talent.
Can LSU Win the Recruiting War?
With both LSU and Texas A&M locked in an intense battle for multiple top prospects, the outcome remains uncertain. Brian Kelly has positioned LSU as a serious competitor, making strong moves to lure away Aaron Gregory and remain in contention for Jabari Mack. Meanwhile, Mike Elko is working to ensure A&M remains a premier destination despite concerns about player development.
This recruiting war will not only shape the futures of these young athletes but could also have a lasting impact on the balance of power in the SEC.