Blaine Bradford

Let's start with the o-line. First off, I get the feeling this is going to be a smaller group and I also like the way things are trending in-state. The Aggies have recently hosted Euless Trinity's Pupungatoa Katoa, Prosper's Zaden Krempin, and Flower Mound's Drew Evers and are right in the thick of it for each. It was no secret the Aggies had the most ground to make up with Krempin. After his visit last weekend it is safe to say the Aggies made up a ton of ground. I would not call them the leader, but made a significant move as indicated by him scheduling his OV. The Aggies also have staying power being an in-state, SEC program, close to home, and it has meant a lot to him to have Mike Elko being personally involved in his recruitment. Then there is Adam Cushing who has done a tremendous job in that relationship as well. LSU and Michigan are schools I see as Texas A&M's biggest competition, both of them have made a strong impression on him over the course of the recruiting process, but I do like the momentum Texas A&M is building.Evers is the OL I have felt the best about throughout the 2026 cycle. His close family ties to Texas A&M are no secret, and Mike Elko and Adam Cushing have done a great job there by all accounts. He has not trimmed his list, but SMU and Ohio State are the schools I would watch as the biggest competition. Ohio State has been coming on strong and put on the full court press on his visit last week comparing him to Donovan Jackson. SMU on the other hand has been there from the very beginning with OL Garin Justice making a strong impression and building a strong bond. There is still a long way to go before it is decision time, but right now I get the feeling this one comes down to an in-state recruiting battle. Last night Pupungatoa Katoa named a top three of SMU, Oklahoma, and Texas A&M, and he scheduled his Texas A&M official visit for June 13. I could see this one going a number of different ways. Right now I am watching SMU closely. Not only has coach Justice been on him, but they also just hired Jake Langi who has strong ties with the family. Texas A&M does get the final visit and they had some high praises for the Aggies following their trip this spring. Then there is Oklahoma. The Sooners have been very involved from early in his recruitment and you can never count out Bedenbaugh when he pushes for a prospect. I also like what I am hearing on the John Turntine front. The North Crowley standout OL plans to visit in a few weeks, and while the competition is stiff with Michigan, Texas, Tennessee, Missouri, and others, I do hear good things about the Aggies' momentum.Away from the OL, here's a couple more things 1. S Bralan Womack could not have sang higher praises of his visit to Texas A&M. Click here to see all his comments about his visit. He did not name a leader, but I got the feeling the Aggies were 1a or 1b after our conversation. Ohio State has also had a lot of buzz with Womack, but they also just grabbed commitments from safeties Blaine Bradford and Simeon Caldwell so maybe not. Auburn and Florida are also in his top four, and he has OVs scheduled to all four schools.2. ATH Legend Bey has fully embraced the idea of being recruited as an ATH and the Aggies did a bang up job over the weekend. Look at him as a Terry Bussey type with potential on both sides of the ball and on special teams. I'm currently hearing a lot of Texas A&M, Ohio State, and Notre Dame talk there, and all three are recruiting him as an ATH. West Virginia is another team I am hearing about quite a bit. He's taking his OV there this weekend and they are talking about QB. I have a feeling he will spend some quality time with former Mountaineer QB Pat White who is now part of Rich Rod's new West Virginia staff.We are still working on the visitors for this weekend, but here's a few confirmations for youTexas A&M commitsLB Samu Moala, Lawndale (CA) Leuzinger2026 TargetsDL Lamar Brown, Baton Rouge (LA) University LabS Tay Lockett, San Diego (CA) University City - Arkansas2027 TargetsDL Johnnie Fitzgerald, Red Oak (TX) -ThursdayDL Amari Vickerson, Cypress (TX) Cy RanchCB Dhillon McGee, Red Oak (TX)S Davontrae Kirkland, Waco (TX) UniversityATH Khing Thibodeaux, Garland (TX) Lakeview Centennial

It's time to take a look around at the biggest pickups on the recruiting front as well as some of the top recruiting news and notes from around the SEC. Jason Howell details that and more in this week's Around the SEC.