The Aggies dominance on the court coincides with Elko's strategic transfer portal recruiting, turning a crucial win into an electrifying recruiting showcase.
Texas A&M did more than stay perfect in SEC play Saturday night. The Aggies turned Reed Arena into a full-blown recruiting billboard.
While Texas A&M (13-3, 3-0 SEC) pulled away from Oklahoma for an 83-76 win, head football coach Mike Elko was busy working a different scoreboard. The kind that matters just as much in January. The transfer portal.
On the court, senior forward Rashuan Agee set the tone with 16 points and 12 rebounds, his seventh double-double of the season. The Aggies placed four players in double figures, played grown-man basketball late, and reminded everyone that Bucky McMillan's group is built for conference play. Tough. Physical. Uncomfortable to deal with for 40 minutes.
That same description applies to what Elko is trying to build on the defensive line.
Key portal targets were in attendance, turning a strong SEC win into a weekend recruiting showcase. While Alabama transfer wide receiver Isaiah Horton was expected to be on campus but did not attend the game, Elko was joined courtside by Colorado transfer receiver Dre'Lon Miller and Illinois defensive tackle Angelo McCullom.
Miami defensive lineman Donta Simpson Jr. was also a confirmed visitor, reinforcing a very clear message that Texas A&M is still shopping for defensive line reinforcements, and they are not being subtle about it.
Elko has already landed edge rushers Ryan Henderson and Anto Naka, two players tasked with helping replace the production of unanimous All-American Cashius Howell.
But depth matters. Bodies matter. Especially in the SEC. Adding McCullom or Simpson, or both, would essentially complete the 2026 defensive line room and give the Aggies a rotation that can survive November football.
The wide receiver picture is just as fascinating.
Cam Coleman’s recent visit to Alabama has the Crimson Tide trending, at least for now, over Texas A&M, Texas, and Texas Tech.
But nothing is done. The Alabama native returned home before making a final decision, and if this cycle has taught us anything, it is that momentum changes fast.
That is where Horton comes in.
Landing Horton would not be a consolation prize. It would be a statement. An elite, physical receiver who immediately raises the ceiling of a talented but undersized Aggie wide receiver room.
Then there is Miller, a familiar name for Aggie fans who remember his recruitment the first time around.
He was underutilized at Colorado, but the speed and versatility are real. While he does not have Horton’s size, Miller brings explosiveness that could help offset the departure of KC Concepcion. He is the type of player who needs touches, not promises.
The takeaway from Saturday night was simple.
Texas A&M is winning games and selling vision at the same time. That is how you stack recruiting weekends. That is how you turn January basketball wins into December football depth charts.
And if the Aggies keep giving portal targets nights like that, Elko might need a bigger guest list.