The winds of recruiting are ever-shifting, and Texas A&M head coach Mike Elko is feeling the heat. The Aggies have done an admirable job assembling a strong group of 2026 recruiting visitors, and among them stands one of the most electrifying prospects in the class—Ethan Boobie Feaster. The DeSoto (Tex.) wide receiver, a five-star talent with the speed and hands to change a game in an instant, had long been seen as a major A&M target. But as the recruiting trail often proves, nothing is guaranteed. As the 6’1” comes with a double-edged Tide and Ducks sword.

With No. 4 WR Boobie Feaster reclassifying from the 2027 class to 2026, his recruitment has gone from promising to downright chaotic, leaving Mike Elko and the Aggies scrambling to keep pace. First on the list of threats? Kalen DeBoer’s Alabama. The Crimson Tide, who came in with a late offer in January, wasted no time pushing their way into the conversation. Feaster’s upcoming March 6-8 visit to Tuscaloosa is more than just a casual stop—it’s a calculated move, one that could reshape the trajectory of his recruitment. Bama Online analyst Andrew Bone added fuel to the fire, dropping a nugget on On3 Recruits that won’t sit well with Aggie fans.

“Talked to Ethan’s dad earlier today, and you know, he talked about just getting to campus, kind of seeing the facility, spending time with the coaching staff, kind of, you know, understanding their goals and their vision for Boobie in the future.” Translation? Bama isn’t just bringing Ethan Boobie Feaster in for a photo-op. They’re selling him on the long-term plan. Using the good relationship with one supporting staff, DeBoer is looking for his big splash for his plaudit in his 26’ receiving corps. But Alabama isn’t the only SEC giant keeping Elko up at night.

Oregon Ducks have entered the mix in a big way, and they’re not playing around. Ethan Boobie Feaster himself confirmed that since reclassifying, the Ducks have been ramping up their interest at an aggressive pace. “It’s been really consistent,” he admitted when asked about Oregon’s pursuit. “I’ve been hearing from them a lot since the reclass. So that’s a great sign.” That level of communication isn’t just about checking in—it’s about establishing trust and familiarity and making sure Feaster knows just how valued he is in Eugene.

Dan Lanning’s staff understands that to win in the modern recruiting game, persistence is everything. And from the sound of it, they’re leaving no stone unturned. Oregon’s approach has been bolstered by the presence of Ross Douglas, the Ducks’ newly minted wide receivers coach, who arrived from Syracuse. Feaster has already taken note of Douglas’ style, and it’s clear that the coach’s no-nonsense approach resonates. “When I’ve talked to him, he’s a real cool guy,” Feaster said. “He seemed like he’s really chill, really blunt, but he’s gonna get on you when he needs to. That’s a great coach. That’s like a real old-school coach. But I’ll see once I go up there.” That final sentence says it all.

Boobie Feaster isn’t just intrigued by Oregon—he’s actively considering what his experience there might be like. And if his April 25-27 visit for the Ducks’ annual spring game goes well, Texas A&M may have an even bigger problem on its hands. Still, while the competition is heating up, Mike Elko isn’t out of the fight yet. Feaster’s ties to the Aggies run deep, particularly through his former DeSoto teammate, current A&M freshman running back Deondrae “Tiger” Riden. Relationships like that matter in recruiting, and Elko will undoubtedly be leaning on every connection available to keep Feaster in the fold.

Beyond that, there’s Feaster’s on-field production—57 receptions, 855 yards, and 14 touchdowns in his sophomore season alone. He’s not just a name; A “do-it-all” receiver who can line up anywhere and make life miserable for defensive backs. He may need to add some mass to his frame, but that’s a minor concern compared to what he brings to the table.

With spring visits lined up at LSU (March 13–15), Texas (March 29), and Oregon, Feaster’s recruitment is only getting started. Texas A&M has a foothold, but if Elko and his staff want to land Feaster, they’ll need to fight for him until the end.

A friendship dilemma for Ethan Boobie Feaster as Mike Elko’s recruiting woes continue

Texas A&M head coach Mike Elko might have more problems. Just like Ethan Feaster has a close connection at Texas A&M, he’s got another No. 1 receiver friend up in Eugene, Dakorien Moore. And that’s making Oregon an awfully appealing destination.

“If you want me to be honest, it’s gonna go to the uniforms first, of course,” Feaster admitted when asked about his interest in Oregon. “Then probably passing the ball. For me, Oregon always has somebody fast, so it’s speed. Those two things. And Kori (Dakorien Moore). Because I’m really close with Kori. I’ll be watching a lot of Oregon football this year for him for sure.”

Feaster is set to visit Eugene next month, and one thing already has his attention: the fan base. “For me, the fans,” he said. “I’ve seen the stadium; they send me videos of the stadium. It looks like a really fun place to play in. So, really, the fans.” While he hasn’t had many conversations with Oregon’s head coach, Feaster is clearly a fan. It’s not looking good for the A&M’s.