• Topics — A&M men's basketball update → recruiting buzz (2027 class) → spring football preview (practices begin ~March 20) → key freshmen to watch.
• Tone — Optimistic about basketball postseason chances and football trajectory under Mike Elko; heavy emphasis on recruiting momentum and young talent ready to contribute early.

• Aggies secured at-large NCAA Tournament bid with dramatic 3OT road win vs LSU (clinch after earlier Kentucky victory).
• Senior forward Rashawn Agee — clutch performer (big 3s, and-1 layup); earned All-SEC Third Team honors in Bucky McMillan's first year.
• Team described as relentless/aggressive; overcame early 15-point deficit vs weak LSU squad.
• Finished tied for 4th in SEC (highest for first-year SEC coach in power conference in 30 years); first-round bye in SEC Tournament.
• Fatigue noted — team tired after grueling season; hosts desperate Oklahoma in SEC tourney opener (Thursday).
• Seed projection — safer as 10-seed (favorable matchup) than 8/9-seed (risk facing 1-seed in round of 32).
• Huge program boost for recruiting, portal, culture; McMillan praised Agee as "soldier on the court."
• Outlook — sneaky March Madness potential if they shoot well and catch teams off-guard.

• Class positioned to finish #1 nationally if key targets land.
• 5-star WR Eric McFarland (Bishop Gorman, Las Vegas) — prediction to A&M; elite speed/electric after-catch; fits Holman Wiggins gadget/slot mold (Compares to DeVonta Smith trajectory); immediate special-teams impact possible; heavy competition (USC, Ohio State, etc.).
• 5-star RB Landon Williams-Callis — cut list to 15 (includes A&M); extremely productive (3,500+ rush yds, 59 TDs in final HS year); versatile workhorse; A&M in strong position for summer official visit.
• 5-star CB John Meredith — early prediction to A&M.
• Wide receiver recruiting remains elite under Wiggins (even after OC promotion).
• Concerns — possible overextension across positions; QB remains biggest long-term question mark (Jace Johnson taking visits despite commitment; post-Marcel Reed uncertainty).
• Overall — Elko staff building defense-first; heavy portal usage expected at OL/QB; program sells development, culture, title contention potential.

• Practices start ~10 days from air date (~March 20, 2026).
• Offense highlights
  • RB KJ Edwards — flipped target; explosive change-of-pace back; could see early snaps/maroon-white game usage.
  • OL K.K. Johnson — massive body; quiet but high-upside eval; potential lead blocker packages.
  • TE Caleb Tafua — volleyball background → elite hands/athleticism; McMillan praised as future top receiving TE.
  • WR Aaron Gregory — borderline 5-star; Cam Coleman-level traits; immediate-impact candidate if injuries occur (depth behind Isaiah Horton, Jerome Miles, etc.).
• Defense highlights
  • DL Bryce Perry-Wright — massive frame (6'2"/250+); high motor; could add 15–20 lbs muscle; monster upside; early contributor likely.
  • EDGE/DE Tristan Gibbons — elite athlete; 5-star traits; hard to keep off field given Marco Jones precedent.
  • DB/ATH Brandon Arrington — track-star speed, long arms, ball skills; elite traits but possible redshirt year due to CB depth (Des Bricks, Ricky Gibson, etc.); could play safety if needed.
• General notes — more open media access this spring (5 sessions); emphasis on young DL/athletes competing for rotation snaps; running back room crowded but improved depth; quarterback battle (Marcel Reed + Brady Hart) key storyline.

• Sponsor plug: Underdog Fantasy (code VOCFBAggies → $50 bonus on $5+ play; March Madness props).
• Next show — Tuesday, March 17, 2026 @ 7 PM (post-SEC Tournament; likely know A&M NCAA matchup).

Strong episode blending immediate postseason excitement (basketball), long-term optimism (recruiting/Elko era), and actionable spring storylines.

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• Heavy focus on 2027 recruiting momentum under Mike Elko, especially along the offensive line and at linebacker.
• Predictions received for two elite prospects: LB Caden Henderson (Jesuit HS, Florida) and OT Oluwasemi "Olu" Loria Oluwabola (New Jersey, #1 player in state per Rivals).
• Brief discussion of a third prospect (EDGE Jaden Bryant) plus quick hits on transfers, NFL Draft (A&M players at the Combine), basketball, and baseball.

1. Caden Henderson (LB – Jesuit HS, Florida)

• Elite linebacker prospect, consensus top linebacker nationally (some services rank him #1 at the position).
• Size: ~6'1½" – 220 lbs already in high school.
• Described as a complete, violent, high-IQ hybrid linebacker: strong in coverage, pass rush, run defense.
• Fits new LB coach Travis Williams' vision (bigger, more physical linebackers than previous regime).
• Comparison to current/former A&M LBs: bigger prototype like Scooby Williams (6'2" 230) and recent transfer Ray Coney.
• Steve Wiltfong (On3) predicted A&M to land him.
• Competition: Ohio State (strong LB development with Arvell Reese, Sonny Styles), others.
• A&M momentum: consistent LB success (Toryn York as starter from low 3-star), recent visit, Travis Williams building relationship despite Jay Bateman leaving.

2. Oluwasemi "Olu" Loria Oluwabola (OT – New Jersey)

• 4-star OT, #1 player in New Jersey (Rivals), elite pass blocker projection.
• Size: ~6'6", already ~290 lbs, long arms.
• Late bloomer (started in basketball, transitioned to football).
• Described as advanced pass protection for his age — "second-year college level" already. Strong run blocker too, athletic for size (can pull).
• High upside: projects as potential Day 2 NFL pick if he lands in right program.
• A&M momentum: strong behind-the-scenes noise, Mike Elko (NJ native) personal connection, fits pass-blocking OT tradition (Trey Zuhn, etc.).
• Competition: Penn State, Rutgers, others in region.
• Hosts potential to start by Year 2 with added muscle.

3. Jaden Bryant (EDGE – Irmo HS, South Carolina)

• Violent, thick edge defender (~6'4–6'5, ~250 lbs). Creates negative plays consistently, good run defender.
• Comps: Kingsley Enagbare type build/violence.
• Committed to LSU but recruiting remains open.
• Scheduled official visit to A&M (May/June window).
• A&M hosted him multiple times; new DL coaches Elijah Robinson & Tony Jerard-Eddie building relationships.
• Teammate dynamic: committed EDGE Caden McCarty publicly recruiting him.

• 2027 O-line class: potentially one of A&M's best ever (comparable to 2024/2025 classes). Aggies pursuing multiple elite tackles/guards (Kennedy Brown, Mark Matthews, etc.).
• Philosophy: Elko staff targeting only blue-chip prospects; already 10 commits, all considered blue-chip.
• NFL/Combine talk: Cassius Marsh (Hal), Scooby Williams interviewed by Cowboys. Excitement for A&M players (Cash, Concepcion, etc.) at the scouting combine starting soon.
• Basketball: A&M at Arkansas (big road Quad-1 opportunity). Win could nearly lock NCAA Tournament berth.
• Baseball: A&M 8-0, demolished Lamar 25-5; Caden Sorrell monster night (grand slam + another HR). Facing tough Arlington tournament this weekend (Arizona State, etc.).

• 2027 class heating up significantly — O-line and LB look especially strong.
• Optimism for top-3 (possibly #1) finish if they continue landing elite targets.
• Last 4 games of 2025 schedule (South Carolina @, Tennessee, Oklahoma @, Texas) viewed as brutal gauntlet; hard to go unscathed but continuity at QB gives A&M an edge over many SEC foes with new starters/QB battles.

Great episode focused on future building under Elko — strong emphasis on relationships, development, and blue-chip talent acquisition.

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Main Topics & Key Takeaways

1. Mike Elko’s Recent Media Availability
   • First press conference in ~2 months (pre-spring practice tradition).
   • Covered: 2026 NFL Combine invites (13 Aggies – nation-leading), player development emphasis, transfer portal additions, 2026 signing class, positional changes (especially O-line).
   • Elko’s philosophy: Winning CFP titles is the goal, but NFL development (starters & high picks) is how he builds long-term success.
   • Highlighted “finish” slogan struggles under late Jimbo Fisher era (strong starts, late collapses); 2024 team didn’t finish strong despite talent.
2. Offensive Line Discussion (Major Focus)
   • Elko praised the veteran, dependable SEC-experienced transfers added to replace departing NFL prospects (Trey Zuhn, Armaj Reed-Adams, etc.).
   • Key additions:
     • Wilkin Formby (Alabama transfer) – Described as elite right tackle; versatile (RT, LT, guard); strong run blocker & improving pass protector → likely starts at RT protecting Marcel Reed’s strong side.
     • Tyree Adams (LSU transfer) – Potential LT starter; also versatile.
   • Returning youth (Ashton Funk, Blake Ivy, Lamont Rogers) talented but inexperienced → transfers provide immediate stability.
   • Center Mark Naboo remains the anchor (familiar with Reed).
3. Player Development & NFL Pipeline
   • 13 combine invites = strong development under Elko/Adam Cushing.
   • Examples: Tauren York (mocked 4th round), Scooby Williams (turned around at A&M), Chase Bisontis (potential high pick after position switch).
   • Goal: Make Texas A&M the flagship program in Texas by consistently sending double-digit players to the NFL annually.
4. Offensive Additions & Scheme Outlook
   • Isaiah Horton (top WR transfer) – 6'3"+ physical X-receiver; adds red-zone threat & 50/50 contested-catch ability missing last year (A&M ranked 93rd in red-zone scoring %).
   • Helps smaller, quicker receivers (Mario Craver, Casey Concepcion).
   • Holman Wiggins (new OC/play-caller) – Praised for experience in elite systems (Alabama, Lane Kiffin, etc.); transition expected to be smooth with returning playmakers (Reed, Bethel-Roman, Bussey).
   • Red-zone improvement & more explosive shots expected with added size.
5. Recruiting Updates – 2027 Class
   • Texas A&M hosting several elite 2027 prospects this summer.
   • Notable targets mentioned:
     • Jordan Agman-Noma (interior OL, Grayson, GA) – Cut list to 5 (A&M, Georgia, Florida, Nebraska, Miami); A&M in strong position (possibly leading); OV scheduled May 28.
     • Trey Moore (WR, Pflugerville, TX) – Scheduled June OV (week after Texas OV); A&M in excellent shape; relationship with Holman Wiggins strong.
     • John Meredith (DB) – Connection strengthened by Brian Gross-Arbieto promotion; still down to A&M & Alabama; no OV date yet.
6. Broader College Football Thoughts (Elko Interview Clip)
   • Elko: College football ($1.2B+ industry) lacks a singular authoritative voice/leader.
   • No one making unified decisions for the sport’s long-term health → conferences protect self-interest → continued chaos.
   • Called for centralized rules, enforcement, and direction to ensure sustainability.
7. Quick Baseball & Basketball Mentions
   • Baseball: Strong opening weekend vs. Tennessee Tech; Caden Sorrell & Gavin Grohovic healthy & producing; offense focused on contact/on-base vs. HR reliance.
   • Basketball: Must-win stretch vs. Ole Miss & Oklahoma; need better play from starters; still in large-bid NCAA contention range despite skid.

• Upbeat & optimistic about Elko’s direction, roster construction, portal success, and player development.
• Emphasis on culture/fit over pure talent; confidence in spring & 2025 outlook.
• Recruiting momentum building for 2027 class despite dead period.

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Main Recruiting Focus (2027 Class)

• Zyron Forstall (5-star EDGE, IMG Academy, FL)
  • Ranked #2 EDGE nationally (247Sports composite) behind DJ Jacobs.
  • Texas A&M received a Crystal Ball/official prediction to land him (reported Monday).
  • Hosts have strong belief A&M is the leader; staff has been heavily involved since early in recruitment.
  • Compared to former A&M star Cassius Marsh (unanimous All-American, likely first-round NFL pick).
  • Physical profile: 6'3.5", ~240 lbs; explosive/twitchy edge rusher, excels at redirecting tackles, raw but rapidly improving (13 sacks as junior).
  • Moved from Louisiana to IMG → now on national stage, attracting heavy attention.
  • Hosts feel A&M’s effort + Mike Elko’s track record developing pass rushers make this a realistic early commitment.
• Jace Johnson (4-star QB)
  • Official visit scheduled for last week of May (post-spring ball, better weather).
  • Junior Day canceled due to Texas weather → forced logistics planning.
• Jalen Brewster (5-star DL, Cedar Hill, TX → committed to Texas Tech)
  • A&M was heavily involved until late; now door possibly reopening.
  • Texas Tech let go of DL coach Arnold Fitch (whose unit was elite in 2025).
  • Local product (near College Station); Elijah Robinson (back on staff) likely pushing hard.
  • Hosts believe A&M has as good a shot as anyone if Brewster sours on Tech.
  • Other suitors: Indiana (hot program post-title), others.
  • Emphasis on development fit over pure NIL (though money will factor).

• A&M appears “in the thick of it” for nearly every top EDGE in 2027.
• Mike Elko staff prioritizes elite traits + positional versatility early.
• Discussion of 5-star vs. under-the-radar development (examples: Anias Smith, Tunmise Adeleye, incoming 5-star CB Brian Arrington).
• Forstall & Brewster could be early difference-makers if landed.

• Defensive hires
  • Paul Williams (from Stanford) → Nickel/DBs coach; veteran with strong coverage & NFL development resume (Artie Burns, Deion Bush, etc.).
  • Brian Gross-Armiento elevated to CBs coach after success at Nickel last year.
• Offensive hire
  • Drew Hollingshead (analyst role, from Coastal Carolina) → QB/Offense developer.
  • Texas native; worked under Mike Leach (developed Will Rogers, Gardner Minshew at Washington State).
  • Helped Caden Veltkamp post strong year at Coastal.
  • Adds experienced voice for first-year play-caller Holman Wiggins & QB Marcel Reed.

• Offense → B to B+ (continuity + new voices, but first-time play-caller in SEC = risk).
• Defense → A (Lyle Hemphill elevation + trusted vets; Elko grooming him for years).
• Overall theme: Elko trusts internal growth + targeted vets; less “name” flash but believed to be best for long-term fit.

• Recent skid: lost thriller at Alabama (97-100), blown out by Florida at home.
• Next: Missouri (–6.5 favorites at Reed Arena); hosts optimistic for bounce-back.
• Charles Bediako (Alabama C) ruled ineligible → discussion of potential NCAA Tournament seeding impact on A&M’s resume (close loss to Bama).
• Team remains resilient; still projected 8/9 seed range with path to 6/7 possible.

• Recruiting momentum building in 2027 class (especially DL/EDGE).
• Basketball in good position despite tough week; key stretch ahead.
• Spring football ~1 month away → more position battles & depth chart movement expected.

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Opening & Context (00:00–00:03)

• Welcome back; part of the Voice of College Football network.
• Football season over: Indiana won the national championship over Miami.
• Shift to basketball later (Buckyball success & upcoming schedule).
• Main focus: 2026 football outlook & way-too-early rankings.

• Consensus around #8 nationally in early 2026 preseason rankings (USA Today, others).
• Significant jump in respect under Mike Elko (Year 3).
  • Year 1 (post-Jimbo): ranked very low (~bottom 20–25).
  • 2025 season: historic 11-0 start → 11-2 finish, first-ever CFP appearance (lost to Miami 10-3 in playoff).
• Losses: 12+ players to NFL Draft + several portal exits.
• Gains: 17 transfer additions + strong 2026 signing class (mostly depth, some potential starters).
• Key return: QB Marcel Reed (third year, second as full-time starter).
• Notable portal additions:
  • WR Isaiah Horton (familiarity with Reed).
  • EDGE Anto Saka.
  • Four experienced SEC offensive linemen.
  • DBs Ricky Gibson & Tafiq Byer.
  • DL pieces (CJ Mills, Angelo McCollum, Ryan Henderson).

• Tough slate: early road games at LSU & Missouri (repeat from prior year), late back-to-back Oklahoma & Texas.
• Last year with consecutive LSU/Missouri matchups due to 9-game SEC schedule format.

• Promotions from within (familiarity & scheme continuity emphasized by Elko):
  • Holman Wiggins → OC (co-OC last year; wide receivers background).
  • Lyle Hemphill → DC (rising star; same defensive philosophy as Elko).
  • Joey Lynch → QB coach (long-time OC experience; prior work with Reed at Vanderbilt; Broyles nominee).
  • John Perry → WR coach (20+ years experience; NFL background with Texans under O'Brien).
• Key external hire:
  • Elijah Robinson returns as DL coach (former A&M mainstay, interim HC after Jimbo, brief Syracuse DC stint).
  • High recruiter; already helped land several DL transfers.
• Overall theme: Elko prioritizes fit, scheme continuity, and internal trust over big-name external hires.

• Both view #8 as fair/respectable but early/conservative.
• Cameron: Good spot; lots to prove with new pieces, but excitement around Wiggins/OC continuity & Reed/Horton combo.
• Keenan: Cautious — talent turnover high; spring ball & potential portal surprises could shift things. Likes defensive backfield additions & familiarity with staff.

1. Ohio State (star power + returning talent)
2. Notre Dame / Indiana (championship pedigree & coaching)
3. Georgia
4. Texas (Arch Manning + loaded skill talent) 5–8. Mix of Texas A&M, Oregon, Miami, Texas Tech 9–12. BYU, Oklahoma, Ole Miss, LSU / USC (wild cards; portal-heavy rosters)

• Sponsor read: Underdog Fantasy (code: VOCFBAggies).
• Basketball teaser: tough upcoming stretch starts vs. Georgia.
• Next show: Tuesday (possible cornerbacks coach hire update + more positional battles & recruiting).

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