Recruiting Heat Intensifies: Texas A&M, Miami Target Elee and More

As the early signing period approaches from December 3 to December 5, college football programs are intensifying their recruiting efforts, particularly for the 2026 class. Among the most sought-after prospects is five-star defensive end Zion Elee, currently committed to Maryland but facing growing interest from several powerhouse programs, including Texas A&M and Miami.

Elee, who ranks as ESPN’s No. 2 overall recruit for the 2026 cycle, has expressed concerns about Maryland’s season, which currently stands at 4-5. “It’s been shaky [with Maryland],” Elee told ESPN. “Things are stirring. They’re not really having the season they were supposed to have, so coaching changes might happen… Right now, the communication is kind of dry.” As concerns mount about head coach Mike Locksley’s future, Elee’s commitment appears increasingly precarious.

While Elee has not officially decommitted, speculation suggests that schools such as Auburn and South Carolina are strong contenders should he decide to explore other options. Auburn, which recently hosted Elee for an official visit, has a history of recruiting talent from the Washington, D.C. area, appealing to Elee. Meanwhile, South Carolina’s defensive assistant Sterling Lucas has cultivated a solid relationship with the recruit, culminating in a recent visit that has sparked further interest.

In a surprise twist, Texas has also emerged as a potential late-entry candidate for Elee’s commitment. The Longhorns’ edge coach LaAllen Clark extended an offer shortly after joining the program and has heightened their recruitment efforts in recent weeks.

Texas A&M and Miami Eye Key Targets

Texas A&M enters Week 12 with an impressive 9-0 record and holds the No. 3 recruiting class for 2026. Coach Mike Elko’s team is actively pursuing several recruits before the early signing period. Among these is four-star defensive end Bralan Womack, who is expected to visit Texas A&M this weekend. Womack, currently committed to Auburn, may reconsider his options following the recent firing of Auburn’s head coach Hugh Freeze.

Another significant target for the Aggies is Florida defensive end Kevin Ford Jr., who has maintained communication with multiple programs, including Clemson and Texas Tech, but is reportedly leaning towards Texas A&M. Ford is set for a third visit to the Aggies this fall.

On the other hand, Miami has been on an impressive recruiting spree, adding six new commitments since October 28. Coach Mario Cristobal’s staff is particularly keen on securing another safety, with four-star Blake Stewart—who recently decommitted from Clemson—being a primary target. Miami is also competing with Georgia for Stewart’s commitment and is vying for four-star running back Amari Latimer against Ohio State and Tennessee.

This momentum demonstrates Miami’s commitment to building a strong 2026 class, especially as they prepare for their upcoming game against NC State.

Shifting Dynamics in the 2026 Receiver Market

The wide receiver market is also in flux, with key recruits such as Davion Brown, who recently decommitted from Penn State, drawing attention from various programs. Brown is expected to announce his commitment soon, with Indiana, Kansas State, and Maryland in contention.

Additionally, commitments from Florida’s top defensive back prospects are under scrutiny. Following the firing of head coach Billy Napier, cornerback C.J. Bronaugh and safeties Kaiden Hall and C.J. Hester are exploring their options. Bronaugh has garnered significant interest from Ohio State, which is keen on flipping his commitment.

As the college football landscape evolves, the final weeks before the early signing period promise to shape the future of numerous programs, with schools like Texas A&M and Miami positioning themselves to capitalize on potential flips and emerging talent. The recruitment of Zion Elee and other high-profile prospects will be pivotal as teams finalize their strategies for 2026.