Just saw the Rivals list for the top committed safeties in the 2027 class. Both of the top two are already locked up by Texas A&M. Mike Elko is absolutely cleaning up on the trail right now, and it's a problem. That's the exact kind of elite, early defensive back talent we need to be battling for in the SEC West. We can't let them build a monopoly on the top-tier secondary croots in our own region.
It puts so much pressure on our 2026 year to close strong and then immediately pivot. The staff's focus has to be identifying those 2027 defensive backs who are still on the board and getting them on campus for an OV the second the dead period lifts. We need to be the program flipping those sient commits, not watching from the sidelines. The bagman has to be ready, because A&M is clearly throwing weight around early.
This is the new reality. If you're not in the mix for the top 100 guys two cycles out, you're already behind. Our 2026 class is solid, but seeing a rival lock down the two best safeties a full year and a half before Signing Day is a wake-up call. The battles aren't just in the portal anymore, they're for the hearts of sophomores in high school. Gotta get those bumps now.