Texas A&M football lands commitment from priority 2025 RB target with awesome name

Texas A&M football notches first offensive skill commitment of 2025 from Deondrae “Tiger” Riden

Texas A&M football has seen a sharp rejuvenation in its recruiting since Mike Elko stepped on campus. The former Aggie DC made plenty of noise in the transfer portal, good enough to capture the top spot for a time, and had a massive close to the 2024 high school class as well: he landed targets left and right, out-battling recruiting stalwarts and flipping key players from division rivals.

With the 2024 cycle behind us now, the 2025 cycle is in full swing. Elko and company have already been making noise in the current junior class by gaining verbal commitments from 4-star LB Kelvion Riggins as well as 4-star CB Deyjhon Pettaway.

Obviously, though, both of those guys are defensive players. The Ags had a holdover commitment from the previous class in three-star tackle Josh Moses, but this new staff had yet to land a player on the offensive side of the ball.

That changed tonight. Highly-prized DeSoto RB Deondrae “Tiger” Riden, a longtime Aggie lean, made his commitment official this evening via social media.

What are the Aggies getting in this newest commitment? A back-to-back state champion with the DeSoto Eagles, Riden has a prototypical build for a back and brings an all-around skill set. Blocking, vision, acceleration, catching—he can do it all.

This is a big get for RB coach Trooper Taylor. For one thing, the guy is nicknamed “Tiger.” That’s pretty cool. Given that his last name is Riden I am anxious to see photoshops of him with a Tiger as his steed. It just simply must happen.

In all seriousness, this is a priority target with no shortage of attention from all the major players. This is a big time win over other top school—both in-state and out of state. What a way to kick off your group on offense in 2025!