2026 3-star safety out of Mesquite (TX) has committed to Texas AM

Boom! Texas A&M’s 2026 recruiting class has gained its first commitment in the cycle. Three-star safety Markel Ford out of Mesquite (TX) announced his decision on Thursday afternoon after the Aggies offered him back in late December.

Unsurprisingly, first-year head coach Mike Elko’s defensive background has gained significant attention from nearly every highly ranked future defender. Ford is coming off one of the more productive sophomore campaigns in Texas high school football, recording 56 tackles, seven tackles for loss, and four interceptions on the year.

For those who may not have noticed, Horn HS is home to several elite prospects in the 2025 and 2026 recruiting class, including four-star offensive tackle Lamont Rogers, who recently visited Texas A&M after placing the Aggies in his top 8 program list in May.

Possessing adequate speed, agility, and, most importantly, coverage instincts to thrive in any system, Ford is also a consistent tackler after racking up nearly 60 tackles and seven tackles for loss, thriving against the run.

According to 247Sports, Ford is currently positioned as the 26th-ranked safety prospect and the 46th-ranked prospect in Texas.

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