Texas A&M football becoming a player for top overall recruit in 2026 cycle

Texas A&M football has inserted themselves directly into the discussion for the top overall player in the upcoming class.

Nixa's Jackson Cantwell seen here against Webb City on August 25, 2023.
Nixa's Jackson Cantwell seen here against Webb City on August 25, 2023. | Bruce E Stidham Special to the News-Leader / USA TODAY NETWORK

Texas A&M football becoming a contender for no. 1 overall player in 2026 recruiting cycle

The 2026 class for Texas A&M football is shaping up to be a special group. The Aggies currently sit as the no. 2 team in the composite rankings for that class— granted, it's early in the cycle, but the Ags are already in a good spot without even having closed on some of their most highly-ranked targets.

Now, that's not to say that the Aggies don't have any high-profile names committed right now. Aaron Gregory, Jordan Carter, and Xavier Tiller are all elite-level prospects committed to the Aggies, and they should not be undersold.

But the fact is that the Ags are leaders for several five-stars that they haven't yet brought into the fold, and when considering where this class might finish, that has to make you feel good.

DL Lamar Brown and ATH Brandon Arrington are two players high on the Aggies right now, and the Ags are also contenders for guys like Jonathan Hatton, Tristen Keys, Jalen Lott, and Jamarion Carlton.

That is by no means an exhaustive list, but all of those players are top-100 prospects. This could form the base of an extremely special group.

Now, though, the Aggies appear to be emerging for a premier talent in the cycle. Jackson Cantwell, an offensive tackle from Nixa, Missouri, is the top-rated prospect in the 2026 composite rankings— and apparently, has been watching the Aggies closely.

Tom Loy of 247Sports named Texas A&M football as one of the most prominent contenders for Cantwell's signature, along with Missouri, Oregon, and a possible shot from Nebraska.

This would be an absolutely massive get for Adam Cushing and company— literally. Cantwell is listed at 6 feet, 7.5 inches tall and 300 LBs. He's tall, long, and rangy, and has the frame to add more weight if needed.

It's early in the game, and with a guy like this, you'll have to battle right up until the end. But being in the mix at this point is a big deal for the Aggies— here's hoping they can close the deal when the time comes.

Schedule

Schedule