Texas A&M Aggies Land Elite Defensive Line Target Over Rival

The Texas A&M Aggies earned a huge recruiting win late Wednesday night , and to make matters even sweeter, they earned the commitment of the in-state star over their most hated rival.

Four-star defensive lineman DJ Sanders chose the Aggies over both Texas as well as defending national champion Michigan . The Bellville , TX native is rated by On3 as the No. 71 overall player in the nation , the No. 6 defensive lineman , and the No. 17 overall player in the state of Texas .

According to 247 , Sanders' commitment pushes the Aggies' 2025 class ahead of Oregon to the No. 6 spot. Sanders becomes the fourth defensive lineman in the class for Mike Elko , joining fellow in-state four-star Kiotti Armstrong as well as in-state three-stars Landon Rink and Chace Sims . Hudson Standish of 247 called Sanders a 'disruptive force' in his official scouting report .

"One of the stronger defensive linemen at the point of attack in the 2025 recruiting cycle, routinely stacks and sheds opposing offensive linemen with ease," Standish wrote . "Nimble play style and smooth gait show up frequently while rushing the passer and offer significant long-term value...Will need to keep progressing, but has shown plenty so far to eventually emerge as a difference-maker at the P5 level and eventually a NFL Draft pick."

Sanders becomes the 20th prospect to join the Aggies' 2025 class and the 15th four-star prospect. It appears that Mike Elko will soon wrap up what has become an elite class for him in his first full cycle and turn his focus to the season, and of course the 2026 recruiting class .