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3-Star Safety Markel Ford De-commits From Texas A&M Aggies

The Texas A&M Aggies have lost another commit in the 2026 recruiting class.
Zach Dimmitt|
Texas A&M head coach Mike Elko reacts to an overturned tageting call against the Texas Longhorns during the Lone Star Showdown at Kyle Field on Saturday, Nov. 30, 2024 in College Station, Texas.
Texas A&M head coach Mike Elko reacts to an overturned tageting call against the Texas Longhorns during the Lone Star Showdown at Kyle Field on Saturday, Nov. 30, 2024 in College Station, Texas. | Aaron E. Martinez/Austin American-Statesman / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

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Texas A&M Aggies

The Texas A&M Aggies have been hot on the recruiting trail so far in the Mike Elko era but the team has lost a few commitments this offseason in the 2026 recruiting class.

Texas A&M three-star safety commit Markel Ford announced Friday that he's reopening his recruitment and de-committing from the Aggies. A product of Horn High School in Mesquite (Dallas), TX, Ford had been committed to Texas A&M since June 27, 2024.

Mike Elko
Nov 30, 2024; College Station, Texas, USA; Texas A&M Aggies head coach Mike Elko reacts during the second half against the Texas Longhorns. The Longhorns defeated the Aggies 17-7. at Kyle Field. Mandatory Credit: Maria Lysaker-Imagn Images | Maria Lysaker-Imagn Images

Ford had received offers from programs like Oregon, Colorado, Baylor, Arkansas, LSU, Michigan, Texas, USC, Oklahoma, Missouri, Ole Miss, Tennessee, SMU, Nebraska, Auburn, Mississippi State, Pitt and many more.

Here's part of what he had to say in an official statement:

"A special thank you goes to Coach Elko, Coach Bateman, Coach Ish, and the entire A&M coaching staff for welcoming me into the Aggie family and giving me the opportunity to be a part of something
special," Ford wrote. "After much thought, prayer, and reflection, I have decided to decommit from Texas A&M University. I believe it is in the best interest of my future to open up my recruitment once again. Thank you to everyone who has supported me during this journey. I am excited for what the future holds."

Take a look at his post:

Ford now joins other notable players like 2026 four-star tight end Xavier Tiller and 2025 four-star quarterback Husan Longstreet as guys that have de-committed from A&M.

Stil, the Aggies boast a talented '26 class that features four-stars like tight end Caleb Tafua, defensive lineman Trashawn Ruffin, edge rushers Jordan Carter and Samu Moala, receivers Aaron Gregory and Madden Williams, and quarterback Helaman Casuga. A&M has also landed a commitment from three-star cornerback Ryan Gilbert.

Texas A&M will open up its 2025 season at home against the UTSA Roadrunners on Saturday, Aug. 30.

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Zach Dimmitt
ZACH DIMMITT

Zach Dimmitt is the Deputy Editor for Texas Longhorns On SI and Texas A&M Aggies On SI. He also contributes as a writer for the On SI channels of the Oregon Ducks, Baltimore Ravens and Tennessee Titans. He was previously the editor-in-chief of Buffalo Bills on SI, Philadelphia Eagles on SI and Seattle Seahawks on SI. Born and raised in San Antonio, Texas, Dimmitt received his Bachelor’s Degree in journalism at the University of Texas at Austin in 2022. He originally started with SI’s Fan Nation network in 2021, providing extensive coverage of the NFL and NBA along with college football and basketball. In that time, Dimmitt has published thousands of stories and has reached millions of people across multiple fan bases. You can follow him on X at @ZachDimmitt7

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