Texas A&M is trying hard to improve on their 2024 season and most importantly their future. They haven’t had a natty to show for almost a century. And are awaiting the results from their new head coach Mike Elko to deliver. Entering his 2nd season Mike Elko will have a lot of responsibilities on his shoulders. From developing recruits to changing the dressing room culture to actual results on the field. There’s a hell lot to work on considering the Aggies are still feeling the tremors of the Jimbo Fisher era.

Mike Elko it seems has undoubtedly done a good job with his 2025 class as it is ranked 7th nationally. A class brimming with elite talents like WR Jerome Myles, OT Lamont Rogers, and CB Adonyss Currie. In total, there are 25 freshman enrollees and 14 incoming transfers to boost the squad and qualify for playoffs ultimately. So, with the 2025 class done and dusted, the onus is shifting to the 2026 class.

The Aggies are ranked 4th in the 2026 class and have roped in 9 commits till now, which is huge. After that, they had eyes on another 4 star linebacker Nick Abrams as he had visited College Station back in January and was slated to visit on March 29th for the second time. However, in a recent revelation, it looks like the prospect has slipped fully from their grasp and is bound to land elsewhere leaving Mike Elko questioning his decisions.

The player announced to On3 that he has 5 colleges locked in and will be solely shifting his focus on them. The colleges are Alabama, Georgia, Michigan, Penn State and Oregon. “Those schools made the final list because they matched what I want in a school. All five schools are about development to the NFL and they put guys in the first round. That is a really big thing for me and my family. The last thing these schools checked off was that family atmosphere. The coaches have been transparent and that stands out. It will come down to the little things. It is not about the big things and all of the glamour, but what fits me and who I will benefit the most from”. 

With these colleges locking in on the player’s commitment, it seems Mike Elko will be focusing his efforts elsewhere now. The development comes after months of speculation about the player’s commitment. Since he has 30 offers in his bag and never really looked inclined towards one particular school. Although Maryland was recruiting him quite aggressively. The 6 foot 2 and 210 lbs linebacker looks to be a solid prospect as he is ranked 14th nationally in his position. He will be visiting Penn State on April 5, followed by Michigan on the 12th, and then moving to Oregon on April 19th.

Nick Abrams leaning heavily towards Penn State?

Penn State overall looks to be quite ahead in the race for the linebacker. Since they were the ones to first extend an offer to the prospect. In terms of visits also the player has visited them 2 times which ties them highest with Maryland. However, he also visited Georgia on 15th March and the Aggies on 18th March recently. His upcoming Penn State visit will be quite crucial for the player’s commitment as he even praised them in a recent statement.

“It was my first offer and it has been a fun ride since. They have stayed consistent and shown a lot of love throughout the process. The coaches always want me on campus, they have been consistent with that and I have felt at home from day one. The pipeline from Mcdonogh is there, so I have good connections and I see Penn State building something special“.

The onus is now on James Franklin and Penn State to land the player. So far they have 3 players in the LB room for their 2026 class. Those being Lavar Arrington, ranked 29th nationally. Then there is Alex Tatsch ranked 31st nationally and Cam Smith, ranked 37th nationally. If they can land Nick Abrams then it will seal their 2026 LB class and they will be getting a player quite better than all the three prospects. The question now is: can they?