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[00:01]
Host (possibly Louis Bellini or Chip Brown)
And we are back here on texags Live. We are presented by David Gardner's Jewelers. We are in the Rollo Insurance studio. And ladies and gentlemen, it is time for Recruiting country. And that is brought to you by American Momentum Bank. American Momentum bank, if I can find the copy, is the only privately owned bank headquartered in Bryan College Station. They are committed to helping our community prosper by offering you a wide array of personal and business banking solutions specifically designed to help build financial success with confidence and momentum on your side. And with that, we go to the Bumpy's Catering and bartending hotline, our buddy, Jason. How Jason, it's been a couple weeks, right? I feel like we haven't spoken in a couple weeks. Maybe it was just a week.
[00:40]
Jason Howell
Yeah, we've had a lot going on. I went to New York. You were at SEC media days. And then I think we also had to kick off class or kickoff event there at with Texas this weekend. So, I mean, it's been. There's been a lot of activity since the last time we talked.
[01:03]
Host (possibly Louis Bellini or Chip Brown)
Yeah, buddy. Well, one of the things that I wanted to start off with, and I know we have some notes to get to, but one of the things I want to start off with. I don't know how much you were able to take in from PKO this past weekend, but I loved Coach Elko's bite. I wrote it down yesterday, I don't have in front of me when they asked him about the number one recruiting class. And he's like, dude, I don't care. I don't care. Like, he didn't say, dude, he's a lot more professional than I am. He's like, I don't care. I. Cause I'm not going to sell my soul to get, you know, to do what you have to do to get the number one recruiting class. I'm going to get really good football players that fit my system, our culture, and are going to make Aggies proud everywhere. And that to me and obviously when you're picking elite players and A and M typically gets to pick. Not typically, they do get to pick elite players and you get the right kind of people. That's music to my ears.
[01:52]
Jason Howell
And I think it's played out just like that in this class. Yeah, it is the number one ranked recruiting class. But that's not because they went out and said, whatever, you know, whatever it takes, let's just bring these guys in. They have. I mean, A and M has resources. They. The NIL funds are there to go to work, but they do A good job of being good stewards with that money. You know, it's not just throwing chunks at guys and wishful thinking and, you know, all that stuff. They do take into account the culture of the program, and you see it manifested in a lot of what these guys are saying, you know. You know, yeah, these are highly ranked guys, but ultimately that's something that's out of his control for a large degree, too. I mean, these guys, these rankings change, you know, multiple times over the course of the recruiting cycle. You just got to go out there, evaluate the tape and find the guys, like you said, that fit what you do. And, you know, they, they've. They've done a phenomenal job of, of getting a really strong group. And I'll be honest, a lot of it, I go back to the All American Games. Of course, it all started the, you know, the process started before that. But A and M has been a huge benefactor of those underclassmen being able to play in those, those All American games. You saw a lot of relationships cultivated at those, those, those games and, and those guys really get to know each other over a few days, spend some time really working together and all that. I think that's been really beneficial and seeing this class come together, those guys knowing the talents that A and M's recruiting, knowing the character of the guys, you know, with them being away from home and away from, you know, parents and, and, you know, the. You get to see who, who's really grinding away who, you know, the character of an individual when they're on their own. And I think it's. I think that, that, you know, comes back to my mind as, as a vaulting point for this A and M class. You saw a lot of those relationships formed and, and you're seeing it play out.
[04:27]
Host (possibly Louis Bellini or Chip Brown)
Talking to Jason Howell here on Texas AGS Live. Jason, look, I don't know if there's a guarantee for anything, but in my humble opinion, I feel like when you've got guys that fit your culture and they feel a part of that culture, look, the 22 class is always going to be the one that people talk about, right? And I felt really good about a lot of those guys that year. Okay? But I think in today's world, where people can leave at any point, right? When you get guys that get you and you get them and they understand their path to play and they understand their path in your organization and your program, I think it becomes easier to do what A and M has done the last couple years is retain people and could you continue to be a program of your word.
[05:11]
Jason Howell
Yeah. And. And again, I agree wholehearted with you. I think that's. That's a big difference. I think there's been a lot of lessons learned since 22, both from a and M and just college football in general. I think when all that stuff started to come together, you, you know, A and M wasn't the only one doing what they did. And. But. But yeah, this, this group, I, I love the. The train of thought. I love how connected this group is. And like you said, there's a baseline culture in the program right now that, you know, from the top down, you know, it's. It's. The tone's being set and, and these guys see it when they come in to visit. They. They know the standard and, And I think that's. They're buying into all of that. It's. It's not just, you know, not that 22 was all the way like. Like that as far as, like, oh, it's just nil. And there was. There were a lot of things selling those guys on A and M program at that. This. This group is a little. Is a lot different. The program's in a different spot than the A and M program was at that point. And the. The culture is stronger from a backbone standpoint.
[06:39]
Host (possibly Louis Bellini or Chip Brown)
Jason, one of the notes you send me don't close the books on 2027 just yet. Which means what?
[06:47]
Jason Howell
Well, it just means we're a long way from signing day. That's all the way in December. We got a full football season ahead of. There's one uncommitted target left out there, and he's deciding on Saturday. And Landon Williams, callous running back, five star out of the Houston area. Texas A and M, Houston, Missouri, SMU in Texas. And beyond that, it's. It's going to be about flipping prospects potentially, if you want to add to the class or, or digging deep and mining the film and seeing, you know, if you can find a hidden gem under. Recruit a guy that you really like and, and bringing them on board. But it's. It's about keeping what you got together. And it's, you know, the ups and downs of the season. We see it all the time. A loss here, loss there. And, you know, confidence wanes with certain recruits. I mean, there's. There's no, you know, there's still a lot of work to be done before this. The hay's in the barn and. But. But right now, not to. Not to cause any concern, because right now things are good. You're on A firm standing. You've got a real close knit group, a tightly bonded group that you know from family, friends, trainers, coaches, everybody seems to be on board with the direction of things and, and what's happening at A and M. And yeah, now you just, you got to maintain and, and maybe add a piece or two.
[08:33]
Host (possibly Louis Bellini or Chip Brown)
When you say maintain, obviously there's. Every kid is different, every young man is different, but what does that look like? And then you kind of already touched on it, but what does, what does the future look like at least with this class? Like, what do you think it could look like? You know, you have your eyes open for whatever you're shaking with places of guys that potentially decommit or like when you talk about the future, what is, what could it potentially look like?
[08:59]
Jason Howell
Yeah, I mean you, you definitely the, the coaching carousel. We see it every year late November. You see those, you see successful programs lose top assistants or you see that head coach get rumored for an NFL job. It doesn't even have to be real. It can just be a rumor that upsets the apple cart sometimes. And so, so you know, that kind of stuff plays out over the course of the, of the season and as signing day becomes real and things get, you know, heated down the stretch, I mean there are going to be guys that you may see pop back up again. All of that would be, you know, complete conjecture right now. I mean, we're just, we're just talking about that. That would all be like a lot of speculation right now. But I mean you look at, you look at the Albert Simeons and the guys that him, that A and M maybe lost a close recruiting battle for and the needs of the class at that time, you know, it. A and M may find a piece or two that emerges this fall or that they, they've decided, you know what, over the course of the season we've seen enough. This is a guy that, that we want to bring into the fold. So of course we're watching, we're watching O line, D line running back right now. But as far as you know, I think right now I see this group sticking together for the most part. I see, I see a lot this, this being a strong core of recruits and if they don't add a single piece to this, the class, I mean you've got the number one recruiting class. You, you've beat everybody in the country when it comes to putting together the recruiting class. And it's a extremely elite group. And I think, I think A and M's in a great spot to hold on to everybody and maybe add a piece or two.
[11:05]
Host (possibly Louis Bellini or Chip Brown)
How difficult is it? And I don't know if it's difficult if you have the answer for it. To maintain what you have with one class. As your tension starts to also creep up a little bit more on the 28s. Right, because you got this 27 class you feel really good about. You got to make sure you still nurture it because we've seen situations in the past where you don't nurture it. You lose guys. Right. They're not going to do that. But you're also turning your attention to the 28s.
[11:29]
Jason Howell
Well and I think that's what Mike Elko and Derek Miller and this recruiting staff have done very well since they've been on campus, been in College Station. They do a great job of communicating and keeping lines of communication open and talking about plans and what's happening and what, what's going on and explaining everything to all classes. I mean right now they, I mean They've been recruiting 28s and 29s for the last few years. Of course now we're starting to see those 28 start to make decisions. I mean you just got a big five star kid that announced yesterday. He's reclassifying to 27 and announcing on. So I mean you're starting to see those guys make a lot of decisions. The quarterbacks are starting to, to, to kind of have a domino effect. You're starting to see the big top quarterbacks make, make their choices. But yeah, that you don't take the eye off the ball and, and you know, abandon what you got. But you also don't have as many needs. You're not recruiting as big a pool of 27. Your pool is these 26 and maybe a few others. You know, the, and then your 28. Yeah, I mean that's going to be a big focus for what you have coming up this fall on the visits. But I guarantee you they're not skimping on, on how they're treating those, those guys that are committed. I mean they are, they're definitely going to be rolling out the red carpet as always. And the, it's, it's not like they're having to roll out the red carpet. It's just the way they do things. You know, if you talk to these, these guys, it's an every time thing. It's not like special, it's, it's just how it's done off topic.
[13:29]
Host (possibly Louis Bellini or Chip Brown)
But it just, I know it happened last week during SEC media days. Was it surprising the Meredith Reclassifying news. Was that kind of something that people had anticipated beforehand when A and M was in the mix or No, I
[13:40]
Jason Howell
think it was, it was a surprise to me. I didn't see that one, you know, in the books. He's, you know, an early graduate, but I didn't see, especially with him being ruled ineligible for the fall at North Crowley just a couple weeks ago, I didn't see it all coming together so quickly for him being able to just say, hey, I'm headed to Austin and in August, let's make it happen. But yeah, that, that was definitely a surprise. And hey, kudos to, to the guys in Austin for making it happen. We'll see how much of an impact he has right away. But I got a feeling, no, they'll get him in the mix somehow throughout the season.
[14:30]
Host (possibly Louis Bellini or Chip Brown)
Jason, who's a 28, that could be deciding soon.
[14:35]
Jason Howell
Well, the, the big one is quarterback Donald Tabor on the second out of Detroit, Michigan Cass Tech five star. He's, he's got A and M up there high on his list. He's visited a number of times. He's been a top target for Coach Wiggins and Coach lynch and he, you know, he's, you got Oregon, Ohio State, Auburn, lsu, some of the others very much in the mix there. But he's talked about an August preseason decision and you know, those quarterback dominoes are fallen. And if I'm looking at the guys that A and M has been recruiting at quarterback in the 28 class, Tabron's at the top of that list. And I don't think it's really been close so far. So I think A and M's made him a, A, you know, a, A priority and there's some close connections to the state of Texas. Thank you. Have some family, you know, connections here and I think, you know, the Central Texas area and he's, he's got some close ties to Texas, but yeah,
[15:47]
Sydney Clevenger
I
[15:48]
Jason Howell
think, I think that's the one I'd really be watching closely just with other quarterbacks making their decisions, him being close and it's looking a preseason August decision. He hasn't announced a specific date, but that's one to watch.
[16:02]
Host (possibly Louis Bellini or Chip Brown)
And there's a new intriguing offer that's out right now.
[16:06]
Jason Howell
Yeah, it's just one of my personal favorites. I got to see him. Jean Mitchell, San Antonio Brennan, a 2028 running back, 511, 205, 210, 4, 4 40, ran at 10, 800 meter last year, had a right around 1,000 yards, all purpose yards, but just he's got a really dynamic skill set and this spring he really saw his recruiting take off took. He got his first offer from Colorado State in January. Since then, you know, Ohio State, Notre Dame, Oregon, Oklahoma, Texas, Texas ain't it. You know, they've, they've all been pouring in over, over the spring and summer months. And yeah, he's, he's one to keep an eye on. Like I said, he brings a dynamic skill set, really good receiver out of the backfield, runs with great contact balance, an explosive athlete. Like I said, with the 10, 800 meter, he won the opening regional fastest man. They lined him up and had him, had him, you know, run it out in a 40 and he, he, he emerged the victor over some pretty fast competition out there and just a guy to keep an eye on. Trooper Taylor offered him, I want to say Saturday and A and M hadn't been in the mix there, but he's planning to come for the, you know, Missouri State game and we'll see how it plays out. A and M. Wouldn't be surprised to see A and M be a factor there before it's all said and done.
[17:52]
Host (possibly Louis Bellini or Chip Brown)
Jason, great stuff, buddy. We'll continue this on the other side. I got another 28 question to ask you and then we'll just kind of look ahead at some timetables for Texas A and M and for Tech Texas Content team. Alright, right now we're talking Bubba's 33. If you haven't gone recently, you're missing out on some awesome food. If you like wings, I do. That's a great place for wings, burgers, pizza. It's just an all around great place to go. It feels like a sports bar. You can watch games here, you can hang out. Bring the Kids is an awesome place and they're having their Burgers for the Brave Parking Lot party coming up. Join them for an incredible month of community support at their Burgers for the Brave Parking Lot party where they're going to announce the final fundraising total for Homes for Our Homes for Our Troops, recognize two outstanding local veterans, enjoy live music and local vendors and make one last push for this amazing cause that is July 31st burgers for the Brave Parking Lot party. Bring the whole family. Kids can enjoy some face painting, balloon artists while everyone takes part in an evening of great food, entertainment, community. It's the perfect family outing and a chance to make a lasting difference for our Nation's Heroes. It's Bubba's 33 on Highway 6 in College Station. Go check it out. Spend your late nights with SportsCenter all night from ESPN Radio here on the Zone. We're back here on Recruiting country brought to you by American Momentum Bank Jason Howell on the buppy skatering and bartending hotline. All right, Mr. Howell, let's get into some early five stars that are eyeing Texas A and M. Give me some names.
[19:19]
Jason Howell
Well, we mentioned Donald Tabor on Asher Ghetto from Jacksonville. The Bow School is definitely one to put on your radar. We did a 20 minute interview with Asher and it is one of the more, he's one of the more fun guys you'll get to know. He's a dynamic football player. Visited A and M in the spring, went to the, that the Texas A and M Texas Bass or baseball game and just fell in love. He's like, it made me fall back in love with baseball. It was such an intense, awesome experience and he's excited to be back. He'll, he'll be in College Station for the A and M Arkansas game and just cannot say enough about Texas A and M. And I know his parents really fell in love with the school as well. Of course there's a number of top schools all over him. Miami, Ohio State, Clemson, you know, he's got them all out there that are, that are after him. But one of the elite edge rushers in the class and a guy that is keeping a really close eye on A and M, Mark Matthews has been on this trail a little bit, you know, establishing some really good bonds and connections there. So. But Asher is definitely one to keep an eye on. Prince Che out of Thomasville, Georgia and Thomas County Central. One of the top defensive tackles you'll find in the country. Big body, came in and came in multiple times this spring and summer and has been a guy that A and M's definitely been hot on his trail. Look for him to be back in town. One of the early elite defensive tackles in the class. You want to put Dylan Mitchell on your radar. Some of those in state guys, James Foster, Dylan Mitchell, Armani Edwards, those are a few guys that to have on, on your radar. As far as the in state guys, Casey Barner, one of the more dynamic players I saw last year out of Georgia, one of the top safeties in the country. He gets it done in a variety of ways out there, but he's got some honey badger to him and I just love the way he plays the game, sees the field and he can, he can get it done in a number of ways. But yeah, those are a few of those five star guys, those top 25, 30 guys in the country. To definitely keep an eye on a. Very much in the mix for. And one of those guys that I would have put in there is Amir Sears, who He's reclassified to 27 and announcing on Friday. A and M was very much factor there and probably have a hat on the table when, when he makes his selection. But with the, with the reclassification, the moving up of his timeline, I got a feeling that one's headed a different direction. Probably a little closer to home. He's out of Miami, so keep an eye on the Canes out there for that one.
[22:32]
Host (possibly Louis Bellini or Chip Brown)
All right, so the Tech SAGS recruiting team is going to be all over the place, right? High school visits begin for you and Bronnie.
[22:39]
Jason Howell
Yeah, I know I'm getting out to a few. I'm be, you know, prioritizing some of those, you know, committed prospects. Get out to Waxahachie, get out to Burleson Centennial, see a few guys, see some practice Texas, check in with some of the top 28s in the area, do some preseason stuff with those guys and get to see them go to work under this hot Texas sun and, and make some things happen. But yeah, then, then football season's right around the corner and there's, there's quite a few big matchups already on the schedule that A and M fans are going to want to circle.
[23:23]
Host (possibly Louis Bellini or Chip Brown)
Do you have some games that you want to share with us that maybe we should put our eyes on right off the bat?
[23:29]
Jason Howell
You're going to have Fort Lauderdale, St. Thomas Aquinas and Mark Matthews going against DeSoto. I want to say that game is going to be on ESPN at the end of August. Something circle on the calendar. Start off your football season there, see a little future A and M offensive tackle there and Matthews go to work with a talented squad there at St. Thomas Aquinas. October in New Jersey, you got a big, big bang up with Don Bosco and Makai Allen taking on Bergen Catholic and what is always one of the northeast best football games. And wrapping up the season November 11, you got St. Francis Academy and IMG going toe to toe and that's going to be a big one with A and M involved on both sides. You got Zaram Forstall, you got McFarland out there at receiver and then you got Raylon Henry on the other side at cornerback for St. Francis Academy. So a lot of fun and yeah, it's. You got them sprinkled throughout the, the calendar. And of course you're always going to have some big time matchups here in, in the state of Texas. I got, I got Waxahachie and I got some other big games, Allen and South Lake Carroll and some of those games on my schedule coming up up here in the DFW area.
[25:05]
Host (possibly Louis Bellini or Chip Brown)
Mr. Howell, it's a great time. Thank you so much. We'll catch up with you next week.
[25:09]
Jason Howell
Always a pleasure.
[25:10]
Host (possibly Louis Bellini or Chip Brown)
That's the great Jason Howell there on the Bupies catering and bartending hotline. We'll hit a break. We'll come back with, in case you missed it, and I probably missed it because I haven't been looking at anything. Right now we're talking about our good friends at Paragon Financial Advisors. Great teams don't chase quick wins. They build for long term success. And that same philosophy applies at Paragon. Your financial life and your business. And they're Aggie owned and operated there at Paragon Financial Advisors. And the focus isn't on just chasing headlines or reacting to every market move. It's about building thoughtful financial planning that helps you pursue your goals for years to come. And that means helping families prepare for retirement, guiding business owners as they grow successful companies, and helping prepare for the day that they're ready to sell or transition the business that they've worked so long and hard on. If you're ready to take the long view, visit paragon-adv.com to learn more. Paragon Financial Advisors, Aggie own independent serving clients nationwide. You can get the podcasts of Texangs Live, the Louis Bellini show, or chip power at zoning1150.com, Google Play, Apple Podcasts, or Spotify. I was hoping for all the emotions in one segment. Laugh, cry, you know, all the things. But apparently, in case you missed it, it's not gonna make me cry or mad. It's all right.
[26:24]
Kaylee Dreyer
Got it. Why would you want that?
[26:25]
Host (possibly Louis Bellini or Chip Brown)
I want all the emotions.
[26:27]
Sydney Clevenger
It's just happy and funny.
[26:28]
Host (possibly Louis Bellini or Chip Brown)
Yeah, happy and funny. All right, well, let's do this. Through happy and funny, we've got Sydney in the house. Sydney Clevenger and Kaylee Dreyer.
[26:34]
Sydney Clevenger
Hello.
[26:35]
Host (possibly Louis Bellini or Chip Brown)
Hello.
[26:36]
Sydney Clevenger
I'm gonna get us started.
[26:37]
Host (possibly Louis Bellini or Chip Brown)
Why is it always awkward every time?
[26:40]
Sydney Clevenger
Every time? Because you always have a comment to say, like, I was waiting.
[26:44]
Host (possibly Louis Bellini or Chip Brown)
That's why you like to do it.
[26:45]
Sydney Clevenger
Yes, like I was waiting.
[26:46]
Host (possibly Louis Bellini or Chip Brown)
I was thinking about it, but I already used it, so I don't want to recycle.
[26:48]
Sydney Clevenger
Northgate said, well, I'm gonna get started today. Yesterday was Mike Elko's birthday.
[26:53]
Host (possibly Louis Bellini or Chip Brown)
Happy birthday.
[26:54]
Sydney Clevenger
He turned 49, which means he is now the SEC's 10th youngest head coach and 68th youngest overall in the FAA.
[27:03]
Host (possibly Louis Bellini or Chip Brown)
10th youngest head coach, which makes him the sixth oldest head coach. Fifth, sixth oldest head coach and then
[27:12]
Sydney Clevenger
the 68th youngest in FBS.
[27:15]
Host (possibly Louis Bellini or Chip Brown)
Okay. Billy said this on the stage the other day, and it hit me hard. He goes, it's the first time I've been older than a head coach at Texas A. I do remember I'm also older than Elko. That is just props to Elko for being great at his job and getting that job at a young age. But, like, I've hit that age, so.
[27:34]
Sydney Clevenger
Thanks.
[27:34]
Kaylee Dreyer
Does it make you sad? Nah, it is what it is.
[27:38]
Host (possibly Louis Bellini or Chip Brown)
I can't do anything about it.
[27:39]
Kaylee Dreyer
That is true.
[27:40]
Host (possibly Louis Bellini or Chip Brown)
I can't rewind, so. No, it's fine.
[27:43]
Sydney Clevenger
Okay. So another thing. I'm not sure if you will have seen, but a bunch of SEC teams have been doing TikToks, and they are getting clowned.
[27:51]
Host (possibly Louis Bellini or Chip Brown)
I guarantee you I haven't seen it,
[27:53]
Sydney Clevenger
but they're all over Twitter. Like, this is.
[27:57]
Host (possibly Louis Bellini or Chip Brown)
Is that the guy who was walking around town with his girlfriend or is that a different guy? I don't know.
[28:02]
Kaylee Dreyer
I'm not sure about that one.
[28:03]
Sydney Clevenger
But I know that Mississippi State had a really famous one, but we could not show that one.
[28:08]
Kaylee Dreyer
Why is it like, it was in the locker room? They were not fully clothed.
[28:12]
Sydney Clevenger
Oh, but it is a TikTok, if
[28:16]
Kaylee Dreyer
you would like to see it. It's all over Twitter.
[28:18]
Host (possibly Louis Bellini or Chip Brown)
I'm good.
[28:20]
Kaylee Dreyer
You might not want to see it.
[28:21]
Host (possibly Louis Bellini or Chip Brown)
No, I don't. Look, I recognize I'm a dinosaur in this industry. Like, you're supposed to be on TikTok and all these things. Right. I know that.
[28:31]
Kaylee Dreyer
Never.
[28:32]
Host (possibly Louis Bellini or Chip Brown)
Not gonna happen. Okay.
[28:33]
Kaylee Dreyer
It's on Twitter, though. Anyway, I'll pass. But at New Day, I get aliens
[28:38]
Host (possibly Louis Bellini or Chip Brown)
on my Twitter feed.
[28:40]
Kaylee Dreyer
I bet you do, actually, at media days. So Mississippi State was the school that started this whole, like, TikTok dance, cringy, whatever thing. And at media days, Lebby was actually asked if he would appear in a TikTok with the team after a certain number of wins, and his answer was, absolutely not. Which I. I don't blame.
[28:59]
Host (possibly Louis Bellini or Chip Brown)
Now, you know who used to do some Tiktoks. I don't know if he still does. You know, you were about to say yes. You forgot who.
[29:05]
Sydney Clevenger
But then I forgot.
[29:05]
Host (possibly Louis Bellini or Chip Brown)
Shane Beamer.
[29:06]
Sydney Clevenger
Yes.
[29:07]
Host (possibly Louis Bellini or Chip Brown)
In the beginning.
[29:07]
Sydney Clevenger
Like, he's an interesting guy.
[29:09]
Host (possibly Louis Bellini or Chip Brown)
He is. I don't hate him. People hate him. I don't hate him.
[29:12]
Sydney Clevenger
My favorite thing is when Obi makes fun of him.
[29:15]
Host (possibly Louis Bellini or Chip Brown)
Yeah. I don't hate him. Now he doesn't like us. Well, for one weekend, he probably doesn't even remember us. But I don't mind him. I mean, he's got to win. At the end of the day, that's all. You could put up with a lot if you win.
[29:26]
Kaylee Dreyer
Yes. Now, my favorite part. Holly Row was seen dancing to Mo Bamba, which is a great song at A and M football games. That's why I love this video so much. It's hilarious. I didn't know Holly got down like that.
[29:41]
Host (possibly Louis Bellini or Chip Brown)
Is that WNBA party?
[29:43]
Sydney Clevenger
It was after the wnba, yes.
[29:46]
Host (possibly Louis Bellini or Chip Brown)
Oh, my God.
[29:47]
Kaylee Dreyer
And there's some memes coming out of this video. One person said, my friend thinks you're cute. The friend. And she's the friend.
[29:55]
Jason Howell
Oh, okay.
[29:59]
Kaylee Dreyer
Look, I love that I'm gonna make
[30:01]
Host (possibly Louis Bellini or Chip Brown)
a professional choice here not to engage in this one. I'm just gonna be like, holly, you keep living your best life. Okay. Whatever is in my head, just, Holly, you keep living your best life.
[30:09]
Kaylee Dreyer
I genuinely relate to her in that video.
[30:12]
Host (possibly Louis Bellini or Chip Brown)
Is that how you dance?
[30:13]
Sydney Clevenger
So it is.
[30:13]
Host (possibly Louis Bellini or Chip Brown)
Just do the dance.
[30:14]
Kaylee Dreyer
I'm okay. You have to catch me on ngs.
[30:18]
Host (possibly Louis Bellini or Chip Brown)
Come on. All right, I'll put it on Facebook for all the old people.
[30:22]
Kaylee Dreyer
You should.
[30:23]
Sydney Clevenger
Okay, so next thing that we have, continuing on with the jersey talk that I know you all have been talking about recently, but Obviously the Big 12 and Monster, we talked about that before, and their deal is approximately $1 million per school. Well, Notre Dame and SOFI is valued at 18 to 20 million dollars per year.
[30:42]
Jason Howell
Wow.
[30:42]
Sydney Clevenger
But I also think this is interesting because Notre Dame doesn't even have their last names on the back of their jerseys, but they're going to have a sponsor on the front of them. And then this list is just basically all the schools that now have jersey sponsors. One new one is Ohio State and JPMorgan Chase, which is valued at more than $15 million annually.
[31:03]
Host (possibly Louis Bellini or Chip Brown)
Cal's got one. They got what? Dial Pad. What's Dial Pad? Like a low budget iPad.
[31:09]
Sydney Clevenger
Some of them are silver.
[31:10]
Kaylee Dreyer
Like utsa, I think, has some random.
[31:13]
Host (possibly Louis Bellini or Chip Brown)
Well, I mean, sometimes if it's your alumni and, like, you're like, I get it. And I know Trev said that A and M was not going that direction, at least for now.
[31:22]
Kaylee Dreyer
Okay, if A and M were to have a jersey patch, what brand would you like to see on the jersey?
[31:29]
Host (possibly Louis Bellini or Chip Brown)
Something Aggie owned and operated. Paragon Financial Advisors.
[31:32]
Sydney Clevenger
Okay, what about Bucky's?
[31:34]
Kaylee Dreyer
Everyone's talking Bucky's.
[31:35]
Sydney Clevenger
Or Heb.
[31:36]
Host (possibly Louis Bellini or Chip Brown)
Yeti.
[31:37]
Kaylee Dreyer
Blue Bell, I think would be a Fun one.
[31:39]
Host (possibly Louis Bellini or Chip Brown)
Blue Bell. Tech sags.
[31:41]
Kaylee Dreyer
Tech sags. There you go.
[31:42]
Host (possibly Louis Bellini or Chip Brown)
People already think we work. Like, when they're not in the market, you go, oh, you work for A and M. Right? Like, no, I cover A and.
[31:48]
Sydney Clevenger
Mm. Anyway, okay, so another big story that just came out. Tennessee starline buck backer Arian Carter has been suspended for the first two games.
[31:58]
Host (possibly Louis Bellini or Chip Brown)
What did he do? I don't know.
[31:59]
Sydney Clevenger
It's a very interesting story, in my opinion.
[32:00]
Host (possibly Louis Bellini or Chip Brown)
Tell me more.
[32:02]
Sydney Clevenger
He basically had some thoughts that he might go to the NFL. So his agent paid for a $427 flight to an NFL pre draft training facility. He ended up coming back to college, so the NCAA basically said that's not allowed. But he did pay his agent back. And my thoughts are, is this really what the NCAA is caring about? A $427 flight to NFL training facility?
[32:29]
Host (possibly Louis Bellini or Chip Brown)
That's so interesting, because there's bigger issues. Yeah, there's bigger issues. This is unrelated, but kind of in the similar. You guys see, I'm not gonna say the lady's name, but there's a news anchor in Houston that got in trouble for accepting tickets to the rodeo and the World Cup. She just got suspended, like, this week because journalists aren't supposed to. I'm sorry, I don't know why I did that. Journalists aren't supposed to do that. Which I understand that was at 13. You couldn't do it either when I worked there. And I know when Olin was with the Statesman and other places, same thing. But I just found it interesting that she went to somebody's box and has now been suspended. People, the things you can get mad at and the things you can't.
[33:11]
Sydney Clevenger
Josh Hypo put out a statement basically defending Arian. And, I mean, it doesn't help he still has to sit out against Georgia Tech and Furbin.
[33:21]
Host (possibly Louis Bellini or Chip Brown)
By the way, gaither, on the YouTube chat, you're familiar with her work. She says, don't disrespect Pandaria. It's my favorite restaurant in San Antonio. Is that the place that was. Yes, that's Utzaria.
[33:31]
Kaylee Dreyer
Jersey patch. Pandaria.
[33:33]
Host (possibly Louis Bellini or Chip Brown)
Was that good? Yeah, that was very good. I don't think it was. No, you gotta try, gotta try. Pandaria.
[33:38]
Sydney Clevenger
Pandaria.
[33:39]
Jason Howell
Very good.
[33:40]
Kaylee Dreyer
Good.
[33:40]
Host (possibly Louis Bellini or Chip Brown)
Months ago, that was a little more Italian, but it was good. Very good. Good job. All right, anyway. Anything else?
[33:47]
Kaylee Dreyer
Last thing, y' all talked about it a little bit already, but Dan Olorvsky was talking about Orlovsky. Orlovsky. Sorry, sorry.
[33:54]
Host (possibly Louis Bellini or Chip Brown)
He was a quarterback for the Texans. Do you Remember that? No, it was before your time. Yeah, he was a super backup. Go ahead.
[34:00]
Kaylee Dreyer
Okay, I wasn't born.
[34:02]
Host (possibly Louis Bellini or Chip Brown)
It was like, eight years ago.
[34:03]
Sydney Clevenger
The name sounds familiar, but you were
[34:05]
Host (possibly Louis Bellini or Chip Brown)
definitely born eight years ago. You're in college and you go to North Korea.
[34:08]
Kaylee Dreyer
He has not. And he ever get a pedicure? Correct me if I'm wrong, but you said you wouldn't get a pedicure earlier on the show.
[34:15]
Sydney Clevenger
Did you say that?
[34:16]
Host (possibly Louis Bellini or Chip Brown)
I didn't say that. I just don't think dude feet talk is allowed. I think dude feet talk is. I think right now there are people driving, crashing. Sorry, Brian. College Station, no guys and feet out if they're gross.
[34:32]
Kaylee Dreyer
But if they're pedicures, they're perfectly fine.
[34:36]
Sydney Clevenger
Okay.
[34:36]
Kaylee Dreyer
It's hygienic. You get, like, a massage, too.
[34:38]
Host (possibly Louis Bellini or Chip Brown)
I'm not saying you shouldn't do it. You shouldn't talk about it. That's all I'm saying.
[34:41]
Kaylee Dreyer
But it's, like, clean.
[34:43]
Host (possibly Louis Bellini or Chip Brown)
Okay, but I don't talk about my showers.
[34:45]
Sydney Clevenger
In the lobby, she told OB that he should go get a pedicure. And he said, absolutely not.
[34:51]
Host (possibly Louis Bellini or Chip Brown)
Look, if you want to get one, fine. I'm not going to judge you for getting one. I just don't want to talk about
[34:55]
Kaylee Dreyer
dudes feet because they're generally gross. But if you get a pedicure, then they're not really. They still kind of are, like, caring your food.
[35:05]
Host (possibly Louis Bellini or Chip Brown)
Like, I'm good. Like, I'm.
[35:06]
Kaylee Dreyer
Oh, I guess.
[35:09]
Host (possibly Louis Bellini or Chip Brown)
Nick, what are your thoughts on this topic?
[35:12]
Nick (possibly Nick Saban or Nick from the show)
I would not get one.
[35:15]
Host (possibly Louis Bellini or Chip Brown)
Well, what if you have, like.
[35:16]
Nick (possibly Nick Saban or Nick from the show)
But that doesn't mean I haven't gotten one before.
[35:19]
Host (possibly Louis Bellini or Chip Brown)
Don't you like, it'll stop you getting an ingrown nail like this.
[35:24]
Kaylee Dreyer
You know who does get pedicures? Anderson Garcia. He was seen all the time at Nail Lounge. All the time.
[35:29]
Sydney Clevenger
Always.
[35:30]
Host (possibly Louis Bellini or Chip Brown)
I'm sure he wants that out there.
[35:32]
Kaylee Dreyer
He was posting about it.
[35:33]
Nick (possibly Nick Saban or Nick from the show)
I'm pretty sure.
[35:34]
Kaylee Dreyer
Sorry, Andy.
[35:35]
Jason Howell
You're not sure, are you?
[35:37]
Host (possibly Louis Bellini or Chip Brown)
All right, so apologies for all the accidents on Texas Avenue and on University on Bush for listening to this segment. We appreciate it. All right, let's move on to anything but feet talk. We're done.
[35:51]
Kaylee Dreyer
We're done with feet talk.
[35:52]
Host (possibly Louis Bellini or Chip Brown)
Thank you. I have no life spot. I just wish I did. I wish I had something. Nick, toss it to break, please. The money machine. The money machine is open now. Let's go@zone1150.com or you can enter through the zone newsletter to win $5,000. Come on. We will talk football, I promise. You after that segment, it is Texas Live. We go to the angry elephant news and social center. Ashley Munson on her final show at Texacts, she becomes a grown up. She goes into the real world. She'll have real responsibility, real bills. Munson, do you have a question for us? I do.
[36:36]
Kaylee Dreyer
So what has coach Mike Elko changed the most since taking over?
[36:41]
Host (possibly Louis Bellini or Chip Brown)
Okay. I want the audience to participate in this. So text in your answers on the catalyst. Pure performance energy. Tech signer on the YouTube page or on tech Sax chat. I was on the premium chat a moment ago. Wherever. All right. And I want Nick to answer for me. What he has changed. Now, you have to understand, I covered other A and M coaches. I covered coach Fran on a day to day basis in 2005. I believe it was 0405. And then I did not cover Sherman on a day to day basis. I did not cover Summland on a day to day basis. So I just wasn't around them enough. But what I can tell you what he's changed from what I think the Jimbo era was is organization and focus. Okay. At times it felt like during that era they were just. I know they had a plan. Don't get me wrong. Like I'm not trying to minimize, but I feel like there's a clear direction and everything has a checks and balances. Right. So they're gonna do business a certain way. It's not open for interpretation. It is transparent. This is how we're going to do it. He's also, I believe, restored hope that this program is beyond what they've been in years past. So I think that's one of the best things that coach Elko has done is he's got a clear call it business plan for Texas A and M football. What it should look like, a hierarchy, how teams. And I also think he's done this. I think he's done a great job of adapting to the ever changing landscape of college athletics while keeping an old school mentality. And I don't think that's easy to do. Right. Like Daba, who I think is a really good coach, has not adapted to the changing landscape. I believe that. Let's use another one. Brian Kelly. I don't know if he adapted to the changing land. He tried too hard. Right. So you can. Jimbo did not adapt to the way defenses were adapting to them. Right. It was so complicated. I think you have less of an attention span with your generation than years past. I think coach Elko has a little bit of the old school mentality. Mixed in with forward thinking. Nick, what say you, friend?
[38:53]
Nick (possibly Nick Saban or Nick from the show)
Along the lines. And on a selfish note, like, my trust in them, like, I trust that going into big games, like in years past, I feel like I haven't been as a fan, I guess I'm speaking, or as a student at A and M, I didn't always have the trust that, you know, A and M would show up in big games or would be prepared for. For games and stuff like that. But now I think every game the Aggies led by Mike Elko go into, I trust that they are ready to go and will will be ready to give their best effort. And I think he. He's brought that to A and M.
[39:31]
Host (possibly Louis Bellini or Chip Brown)
I also think he's. For me, he has changed. I used to think, how are they going to lose this thing? To now I'm like, how are they going to win this thing? And that's kind of been a shift internally that I. Because as I've said on this show this week already, like the UCLA famous game in Los Angeles where I told my co worker Tom Abrams, they're going to lose this game. They were up big at half, right. They're going to find a way to lose it. And the reverse to that is the South Carolina game last year where. And I'm not saying I'm always like this. I'm not saying that I'm always optimistic because I'm not. I mean, Olin will tell you he sits with me. But that game I like to point at because I think it's because of Coach Elko that I'm like, all right, if they do this, they're going to find a way to win. And that's because I believe in the process. I believe in what he's done. I believe in everything that they had put together to that point, that they are a better team than they are showing. This is a comedy of errors. So that's what I think. He has changed. There's a good text that came in if you want to read it, from Cody on the Catalyst, Pure for performance energy text line if you want to do that one.
[40:32]
Sydney Clevenger
Yeah.
[40:32]
Kaylee Dreyer
He said Elko has changed the culture the most.
[40:35]
Host (possibly Louis Bellini or Chip Brown)
And I think that is great. Now we're not in the locker room, but what I can tell you is these guys for their interviews in nil, right? They show up on time, they're eager to talk to us, and they don't have to be guys because I've been around star athletes that aren't like it's. And I think that is. But I Think it speaks to how they like to do their business. I'm using one example, but you can see it on the practice field. You can see it on how they play their games. You can see it in their warm ups, right? So for me that is very apparent. The culture was it. I don't know if Jimbo said this or not, but I know somebody famous has said it. How you do one thing is how you do everything is one way to say this. It's easy to say that out loud. Hey, how you do this, how you do everything. But when you really go about your business that same way, how you go about your studies, how you go about your practice habits, how you go about your lift, your recovery, your conditioning, that to me has been instilled. And you have to have a staff that supports your message and your mission. And he's done a great job of establishing that. And I think he's done a really good job hiring coordinators and assistant coaches. He's done. So I've given you a long answer. What else? Another question or whatever else. This is your last minute and 30 on the show. I mean if you, you want to just be like, ask a question.
[41:55]
Kaylee Dreyer
Okay, I'll ask another question.
[41:56]
Host (possibly Louis Bellini or Chip Brown)
Okay. And you could do a quick one.
[41:57]
Kaylee Dreyer
What does success look like for the Aggies this year?
[42:05]
Host (possibly Louis Bellini or Chip Brown)
Success is 9 and 3 or better. Now there are going to be many people that say that's not a success, that's a step back. I'm taking into account the changes and the nine game SEC schedule. I think success is nine and three or better this year. I think ideal success is another year in the playoffs. You hope you're knocking on the door of the playoffs that last couple weeks of the season, right? That's a successful season. We may not feel it in the moment. I mean, how many people were upset after the Miami game, right? Like, oh, the season was a failure. It wasn't a failure. It was great. It was 11 and two needs to be better and that's what they're building towards. So to me, success has to be 9 or 3 or better. And ideally a double digit win season and a playoff win, that to me is optimal success. Winning a national championship is ultimately what we all want. All right, that's gonna do it for Tech. SAGS live here on a Wednesday. Tomorrow on the show, I bet you the fan show guys will be here because what else are they going to do? Work? Doubt it. Thanks so much for watching and listening. We'll catch up with you manana.
[43:13]
Kaylee Dreyer
Granger knows when you're a procurement manager for an office park, you're not managing one building, you're managing all of them.
[43:20]
Jason Howell
And to stay ahead, you need to see through walls and around corners.
[43:24]
Kaylee Dreyer
Lights about to fail, Filters ready to clog H Vac on its last leg. If you wait until something breaks, you're already behind. Count on Grainger for quality products, easy reordering and 24. 7 support. Call 1-800-GRAINGER click grainger.com or just stop by Grainger for the ones who get it done.

Summary6 min read

Podcast Summary: TexAgs Live - Jason Howell (07.29.26)

Episode Date: July 29, 2026
Host: (Unclear—possibly Louis Bellini or Chip Brown)
Featured Guest: Jason Howell (TexAgs Recruiting)
Additional Contributors: Sydney Clevenger, Kaylee Dreyer, Nick

Episode Overview

This episode focuses on Texas A&M football recruiting, examining the makeup and culture of the Aggies' 2027 class, retention in the transfer era, the importance of fit and culture over pure rankings, and providing updates about key prospects. The panel also discusses broader trends like NIL impacts, staff communication, class management, and flashes forward to the upcoming 2028 recruiting targets. The mood transitions later to lighter SEC social media talk, sponsorship patch news, and fun college football banter.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Coach Elko’s Recruiting Philosophy & Culture Building

Timestamp 01:02 – 05:10
Mike Elko prioritizes fit over simply chasing the “#1 recruiting class.”
Focus is on attracting “really good football players that fit my system, our culture, and are going to make Aggies proud everywhere.” (Host, paraphrasing Elko, 01:02)
The staff assures that NIL resources are used purposefully, not for reckless bidding wars.
Strong relationships and culture are credited for assembling a top class:
- “A&M has resources...they do a good job of being good stewards with that money...they do take into account the culture of the program, and you see it manifested in a lot of what these guys are saying.” — Jason Howell (01:52)
- The class is tightly bonded through events like All-American Games, helping players build relationships and reveal true character.

2. Retention, Transfer Portal, and Lessons from 2022

Timestamp 04:26 – 06:38
Retaining players is easier with a focus on cultural fit—critical in today's transfer-heavy NCAA environment.
“I think there's been a lot of lessons learned since 22, both from A&M and just college football in general.” — Jason Howell (05:10)
The current program has a “stronger backbone” and baseline culture compared to 2022.

3. 2027 Recruiting Cycle: Status & Strategy

Timestamp 06:38 – 11:29
One key uncommitted 2027 target remains: 5-star RB Landon Williams; decision coming Saturday.
Beyond that, it’s about retention, potential flips, or discovering hidden gems.
“Right now things are good. You’re on a firm standing. You’ve got a real close-knit group, a tightly bonded group…” — Jason Howell (07:49)

4. “Maintain” vs. “Expand” Strategy & Looking to 2028

Timestamp 11:05 – 13:28
Coaches must keep 2027 commits engaged while shifting recruiting attention to 2028 and even 2029.
Howell credits staff for excellent communication and for already laying the groundwork with younger classes:
- “They do a great job of communicating and keeping lines of communication open and talking about plans and what's happening and what's going on and explaining everything to all classes.” — Jason Howell (11:29)
2028 QB target dominoes are already falling; some big decisions loom.

5. Recruiting News & Notable Names

Timestamp 13:28 – 17:51
Surprise: QB Meredith reclassifies after eligibility issues, going to Texas—quickly pulling off a move that was unexpected even among insiders.
- “I didn't see it all coming together so quickly...that was definitely a surprise.” — Jason Howell (13:40)
Top 2028 QB prospect Donald Tabron (Detroit Cass Tech, 5-star) is high on A&M—decision expected in August (14:34).
Intriguing 2028 RB offer: Jean Mitchell (San Antonio Brennan)—dynamic athlete, 10.8 100m sprinter, fastest man at Opening Regionals, hopes to visit for Missouri State game.

6. Early 2028 Five-Star Targets to Watch

Timestamp 19:19 – 22:32
- Donald Tabron (QB, Cass Tech)
- Asher Ghetto (Edge, Jacksonville Bow School)—“one of the more fun guys you’ll get to know…dynamic football player...just fell in love [with A&M].”
- Prince Che (DT, Thomasville, GA)
- Dylan Mitchell, James Foster, Armani Edwards, Casey Barner (various positions, both in-state and national) — all high-priority five-star targets.
- Amir Sears (previously a factor, but now reclassified).

7. Upcoming High School Matchups & Scouting Itinerary

Timestamp 22:39 – 25:04
Howell and recruiting staff plan preseason visits to see committed prospects and top 2028s under the “hot Texas sun.”
Games of note:
- St. Thomas Aquinas (Ft. Lauderdale, Mark Matthews) vs. DeSoto (August, ESPN)
- Don Bosco (NJ, Makai Allen) vs. Bergen Catholic (October, NJ)
- St. Francis Academy vs. IMG (November 11)—A&M prospects involved on both sides.

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

On culture and retention:
“There’s a baseline culture in the program right now...the tone’s being set and these guys see it when they come in to visit. They know the standard.”
— Jason Howell (05:10)
On the unexpected reclassification:
“I didn’t see [the Meredith move] all coming together so quickly…that was definitely a surprise.”
— Jason Howell (13:40)
On staff organization under Elko:
“He’s got a clear business plan for Texas A&M football…a hierarchy…He’s also, I believe, restored hope that this program is beyond what they’ve been in years past.”
— Host (36:40)
Fan trust and program perception:
“In years past, I feel like I haven’t been as a fan…I didn’t always have the trust that A&M would show up in big games…but now every game the Aggies led by Mike Elko go into, I trust that they are ready…”
— Nick (38:53)

Additional Lighthearted & News Segments

[27:02+] Mike Elko turns 49: Now the 10th youngest head coach in the SEC.
TikTok & Social Media: Some SEC teams are getting “clowned” for cringy TikToks (e.g., Mississippi State’s went viral).
Jersey Sponsorships: Notre Dame signs massive deal with SoFi ($18-20M/year) despite no player names on jerseys; Ohio State inks with JP Morgan Chase ($15M/year).
NCAA Suspensions & Minor Violations: Tennessee’s linebacker Arian Carter suspended for two games over a $427 agent-funded flight—host and team bemoan the NCAA’s focus on small issues.
Student banter: Fun discussion on brands that could be on A&M jerseys. Blue Bell, Bucky’s, and HEB suggested.

Listener Interaction & Final Discussion

What’s changed most under Mike Elko?
- Organizer and visionary, brings both old school and forward-thinking mentality
- Restored organizational structure, transparency, and hope
- Equated to a “clear business plan,” attention to evolving college football landscape
What is “success” for Aggies in 2026?
- 9–3 or better is the baseline for a successful season, with higher hopes for playoff contention and, someday, a national title.

Key Timestamps

01:02 – Elko's recruiting philosophy; focus on fit and culture
04:26 – Retention and transfer era lessons
06:46 – 2027 class: status, targets, and retention strategies
13:28 – 2028 QB dominoes, Meredith reclassification
14:34 – 2028 QB Donald Tabron decision preview
16:05 – 2028 RB Jean Mitchell’s new offer
19:19 – Five-star early targets for 2028
22:39 – Upcoming important high school matchups
27:02+ – Lighthearted news: birthdays, TikTok, jersey sponsorships
36:40 – How Mike Elko has most changed the program
42:05 – Defining “success” for 2026 Aggies

Tone & Language

The conversation is collegial, passionate, and occasionally humorous, especially in light-hearted news segments. Jason Howell speaks in a calm, knowledgeable voice, emphasizing practical insights over hype.

Summary prepared for those who missed the episode and want to know where Texas A&M stands in recruiting, culture, and program direction—plus the lighter side of Aggie and SEC sports news.

Loading summary

Transcript173 lines

[00:01]
Host (possibly Louis Bellini or Chip Brown)
And we are back here on texags Live. We are presented by David Gardner's Jewelers. We are in the Rollo Insurance studio. And ladies and gentlemen, it is time for Recruiting country. And that is brought to you by American Momentum Bank. American Momentum bank, if I can find the copy, is the only privately owned bank headquartered in Bryan College Station. They are committed to helping our community prosper by offering you a wide array of personal and business banking solutions specifically designed to help build financial success with confidence and momentum on your side. And with that, we go to the Bumpy's Catering and bartending hotline, our buddy, Jason. How Jason, it's been a couple weeks, right? I feel like we haven't spoken in a couple weeks. Maybe it was just a week.
[00:40]
Jason Howell
Yeah, we've had a lot going on. I went to New York. You were at SEC media days. And then I think we also had to kick off class or kickoff event there at with Texas this weekend. So, I mean, it's been. There's been a lot of activity since the last time we talked.
[01:03]
Host (possibly Louis Bellini or Chip Brown)
Yeah, buddy. Well, one of the things that I wanted to start off with, and I know we have some notes to get to, but one of the things I want to start off with. I don't know how much you were able to take in from PKO this past weekend, but I loved Coach Elko's bite. I wrote it down yesterday, I don't have in front of me when they asked him about the number one recruiting class. And he's like, dude, I don't care. I don't care. Like, he didn't say, dude, he's a lot more professional than I am. He's like, I don't care. I. Cause I'm not going to sell my soul to get, you know, to do what you have to do to get the number one recruiting class. I'm going to get really good football players that fit my system, our culture, and are going to make Aggies proud everywhere. And that to me and obviously when you're picking elite players and A and M typically gets to pick. Not typically, they do get to pick elite players and you get the right kind of people. That's music to my ears.
[01:52]
Jason Howell
And I think it's played out just like that in this class. Yeah, it is the number one ranked recruiting class. But that's not because they went out and said, whatever, you know, whatever it takes, let's just bring these guys in. They have. I mean, A and M has resources. They. The NIL funds are there to go to work, but they do A good job of being good stewards with that money. You know, it's not just throwing chunks at guys and wishful thinking and, you know, all that stuff. They do take into account the culture of the program, and you see it manifested in a lot of what these guys are saying, you know. You know, yeah, these are highly ranked guys, but ultimately that's something that's out of his control for a large degree, too. I mean, these guys, these rankings change, you know, multiple times over the course of the recruiting cycle. You just got to go out there, evaluate the tape and find the guys, like you said, that fit what you do. And, you know, they, they've. They've done a phenomenal job of, of getting a really strong group. And I'll be honest, a lot of it, I go back to the All American Games. Of course, it all started the, you know, the process started before that. But A and M has been a huge benefactor of those underclassmen being able to play in those, those All American games. You saw a lot of relationships cultivated at those, those, those games and, and those guys really get to know each other over a few days, spend some time really working together and all that. I think that's been really beneficial and seeing this class come together, those guys knowing the talents that A and M's recruiting, knowing the character of the guys, you know, with them being away from home and away from, you know, parents and, and, you know, the. You get to see who, who's really grinding away who, you know, the character of an individual when they're on their own. And I think it's. I think that, that, you know, comes back to my mind as, as a vaulting point for this A and M class. You saw a lot of those relationships formed and, and you're seeing it play out.
[04:27]
Host (possibly Louis Bellini or Chip Brown)
Talking to Jason Howell here on Texas AGS Live. Jason, look, I don't know if there's a guarantee for anything, but in my humble opinion, I feel like when you've got guys that fit your culture and they feel a part of that culture, look, the 22 class is always going to be the one that people talk about, right? And I felt really good about a lot of those guys that year. Okay? But I think in today's world, where people can leave at any point, right? When you get guys that get you and you get them and they understand their path to play and they understand their path in your organization and your program, I think it becomes easier to do what A and M has done the last couple years is retain people and could you continue to be a program of your word.
[05:11]
Jason Howell
Yeah. And. And again, I agree wholehearted with you. I think that's. That's a big difference. I think there's been a lot of lessons learned since 22, both from a and M and just college football in general. I think when all that stuff started to come together, you, you know, A and M wasn't the only one doing what they did. And. But. But yeah, this, this group, I, I love the. The train of thought. I love how connected this group is. And like you said, there's a baseline culture in the program right now that, you know, from the top down, you know, it's. It's. The tone's being set and, and these guys see it when they come in to visit. They. They know the standard and, And I think that's. They're buying into all of that. It's. It's not just, you know, not that 22 was all the way like. Like that as far as, like, oh, it's just nil. And there was. There were a lot of things selling those guys on A and M program at that. This. This group is a little. Is a lot different. The program's in a different spot than the A and M program was at that point. And the. The culture is stronger from a backbone standpoint.
[06:39]
Host (possibly Louis Bellini or Chip Brown)
Jason, one of the notes you send me don't close the books on 2027 just yet. Which means what?
[06:47]
Jason Howell
Well, it just means we're a long way from signing day. That's all the way in December. We got a full football season ahead of. There's one uncommitted target left out there, and he's deciding on Saturday. And Landon Williams, callous running back, five star out of the Houston area. Texas A and M, Houston, Missouri, SMU in Texas. And beyond that, it's. It's going to be about flipping prospects potentially, if you want to add to the class or, or digging deep and mining the film and seeing, you know, if you can find a hidden gem under. Recruit a guy that you really like and, and bringing them on board. But it's. It's about keeping what you got together. And it's, you know, the ups and downs of the season. We see it all the time. A loss here, loss there. And, you know, confidence wanes with certain recruits. I mean, there's. There's no, you know, there's still a lot of work to be done before this. The hay's in the barn and. But. But right now, not to. Not to cause any concern, because right now things are good. You're on A firm standing. You've got a real close knit group, a tightly bonded group that you know from family, friends, trainers, coaches, everybody seems to be on board with the direction of things and, and what's happening at A and M. And yeah, now you just, you got to maintain and, and maybe add a piece or two.
[08:33]
Host (possibly Louis Bellini or Chip Brown)
When you say maintain, obviously there's. Every kid is different, every young man is different, but what does that look like? And then you kind of already touched on it, but what does, what does the future look like at least with this class? Like, what do you think it could look like? You know, you have your eyes open for whatever you're shaking with places of guys that potentially decommit or like when you talk about the future, what is, what could it potentially look like?
[08:59]
Jason Howell
Yeah, I mean you, you definitely the, the coaching carousel. We see it every year late November. You see those, you see successful programs lose top assistants or you see that head coach get rumored for an NFL job. It doesn't even have to be real. It can just be a rumor that upsets the apple cart sometimes. And so, so you know, that kind of stuff plays out over the course of the, of the season and as signing day becomes real and things get, you know, heated down the stretch, I mean there are going to be guys that you may see pop back up again. All of that would be, you know, complete conjecture right now. I mean, we're just, we're just talking about that. That would all be like a lot of speculation right now. But I mean you look at, you look at the Albert Simeons and the guys that him, that A and M maybe lost a close recruiting battle for and the needs of the class at that time, you know, it. A and M may find a piece or two that emerges this fall or that they, they've decided, you know what, over the course of the season we've seen enough. This is a guy that, that we want to bring into the fold. So of course we're watching, we're watching O line, D line running back right now. But as far as you know, I think right now I see this group sticking together for the most part. I see, I see a lot this, this being a strong core of recruits and if they don't add a single piece to this, the class, I mean you've got the number one recruiting class. You, you've beat everybody in the country when it comes to putting together the recruiting class. And it's a extremely elite group. And I think, I think A and M's in a great spot to hold on to everybody and maybe add a piece or two.
[11:05]
Host (possibly Louis Bellini or Chip Brown)
How difficult is it? And I don't know if it's difficult if you have the answer for it. To maintain what you have with one class. As your tension starts to also creep up a little bit more on the 28s. Right, because you got this 27 class you feel really good about. You got to make sure you still nurture it because we've seen situations in the past where you don't nurture it. You lose guys. Right. They're not going to do that. But you're also turning your attention to the 28s.
[11:29]
Jason Howell
Well and I think that's what Mike Elko and Derek Miller and this recruiting staff have done very well since they've been on campus, been in College Station. They do a great job of communicating and keeping lines of communication open and talking about plans and what's happening and what, what's going on and explaining everything to all classes. I mean right now they, I mean They've been recruiting 28s and 29s for the last few years. Of course now we're starting to see those 28 start to make decisions. I mean you just got a big five star kid that announced yesterday. He's reclassifying to 27 and announcing on. So I mean you're starting to see those guys make a lot of decisions. The quarterbacks are starting to, to, to kind of have a domino effect. You're starting to see the big top quarterbacks make, make their choices. But yeah, that you don't take the eye off the ball and, and you know, abandon what you got. But you also don't have as many needs. You're not recruiting as big a pool of 27. Your pool is these 26 and maybe a few others. You know, the, and then your 28. Yeah, I mean that's going to be a big focus for what you have coming up this fall on the visits. But I guarantee you they're not skimping on, on how they're treating those, those guys that are committed. I mean they are, they're definitely going to be rolling out the red carpet as always. And the, it's, it's not like they're having to roll out the red carpet. It's just the way they do things. You know, if you talk to these, these guys, it's an every time thing. It's not like special, it's, it's just how it's done off topic.
[13:29]
Host (possibly Louis Bellini or Chip Brown)
But it just, I know it happened last week during SEC media days. Was it surprising the Meredith Reclassifying news. Was that kind of something that people had anticipated beforehand when A and M was in the mix or No, I
[13:40]
Jason Howell
think it was, it was a surprise to me. I didn't see that one, you know, in the books. He's, you know, an early graduate, but I didn't see, especially with him being ruled ineligible for the fall at North Crowley just a couple weeks ago, I didn't see it all coming together so quickly for him being able to just say, hey, I'm headed to Austin and in August, let's make it happen. But yeah, that, that was definitely a surprise. And hey, kudos to, to the guys in Austin for making it happen. We'll see how much of an impact he has right away. But I got a feeling, no, they'll get him in the mix somehow throughout the season.
[14:30]
Host (possibly Louis Bellini or Chip Brown)
Jason, who's a 28, that could be deciding soon.
[14:35]
Jason Howell
Well, the, the big one is quarterback Donald Tabor on the second out of Detroit, Michigan Cass Tech five star. He's, he's got A and M up there high on his list. He's visited a number of times. He's been a top target for Coach Wiggins and Coach lynch and he, you know, he's, you got Oregon, Ohio State, Auburn, lsu, some of the others very much in the mix there. But he's talked about an August preseason decision and you know, those quarterback dominoes are fallen. And if I'm looking at the guys that A and M has been recruiting at quarterback in the 28 class, Tabron's at the top of that list. And I don't think it's really been close so far. So I think A and M's made him a, A, you know, a, A priority and there's some close connections to the state of Texas. Thank you. Have some family, you know, connections here and I think, you know, the Central Texas area and he's, he's got some close ties to Texas, but yeah,
[15:47]
Sydney Clevenger
I
[15:48]
Jason Howell
think, I think that's the one I'd really be watching closely just with other quarterbacks making their decisions, him being close and it's looking a preseason August decision. He hasn't announced a specific date, but that's one to watch.
[16:02]
Host (possibly Louis Bellini or Chip Brown)
And there's a new intriguing offer that's out right now.
[16:06]
Jason Howell
Yeah, it's just one of my personal favorites. I got to see him. Jean Mitchell, San Antonio Brennan, a 2028 running back, 511, 205, 210, 4, 4 40, ran at 10, 800 meter last year, had a right around 1,000 yards, all purpose yards, but just he's got a really dynamic skill set and this spring he really saw his recruiting take off took. He got his first offer from Colorado State in January. Since then, you know, Ohio State, Notre Dame, Oregon, Oklahoma, Texas, Texas ain't it. You know, they've, they've all been pouring in over, over the spring and summer months. And yeah, he's, he's one to keep an eye on. Like I said, he brings a dynamic skill set, really good receiver out of the backfield, runs with great contact balance, an explosive athlete. Like I said, with the 10, 800 meter, he won the opening regional fastest man. They lined him up and had him, had him, you know, run it out in a 40 and he, he, he emerged the victor over some pretty fast competition out there and just a guy to keep an eye on. Trooper Taylor offered him, I want to say Saturday and A and M hadn't been in the mix there, but he's planning to come for the, you know, Missouri State game and we'll see how it plays out. A and M. Wouldn't be surprised to see A and M be a factor there before it's all said and done.
[17:52]
Host (possibly Louis Bellini or Chip Brown)
Jason, great stuff, buddy. We'll continue this on the other side. I got another 28 question to ask you and then we'll just kind of look ahead at some timetables for Texas A and M and for Tech Texas Content team. Alright, right now we're talking Bubba's 33. If you haven't gone recently, you're missing out on some awesome food. If you like wings, I do. That's a great place for wings, burgers, pizza. It's just an all around great place to go. It feels like a sports bar. You can watch games here, you can hang out. Bring the Kids is an awesome place and they're having their Burgers for the Brave Parking Lot party coming up. Join them for an incredible month of community support at their Burgers for the Brave Parking Lot party where they're going to announce the final fundraising total for Homes for Our Homes for Our Troops, recognize two outstanding local veterans, enjoy live music and local vendors and make one last push for this amazing cause that is July 31st burgers for the Brave Parking Lot party. Bring the whole family. Kids can enjoy some face painting, balloon artists while everyone takes part in an evening of great food, entertainment, community. It's the perfect family outing and a chance to make a lasting difference for our Nation's Heroes. It's Bubba's 33 on Highway 6 in College Station. Go check it out. Spend your late nights with SportsCenter all night from ESPN Radio here on the Zone. We're back here on Recruiting country brought to you by American Momentum Bank Jason Howell on the buppy skatering and bartending hotline. All right, Mr. Howell, let's get into some early five stars that are eyeing Texas A and M. Give me some names.
[19:19]
Jason Howell
Well, we mentioned Donald Tabor on Asher Ghetto from Jacksonville. The Bow School is definitely one to put on your radar. We did a 20 minute interview with Asher and it is one of the more, he's one of the more fun guys you'll get to know. He's a dynamic football player. Visited A and M in the spring, went to the, that the Texas A and M Texas Bass or baseball game and just fell in love. He's like, it made me fall back in love with baseball. It was such an intense, awesome experience and he's excited to be back. He'll, he'll be in College Station for the A and M Arkansas game and just cannot say enough about Texas A and M. And I know his parents really fell in love with the school as well. Of course there's a number of top schools all over him. Miami, Ohio State, Clemson, you know, he's got them all out there that are, that are after him. But one of the elite edge rushers in the class and a guy that is keeping a really close eye on A and M, Mark Matthews has been on this trail a little bit, you know, establishing some really good bonds and connections there. So. But Asher is definitely one to keep an eye on. Prince Che out of Thomasville, Georgia and Thomas County Central. One of the top defensive tackles you'll find in the country. Big body, came in and came in multiple times this spring and summer and has been a guy that A and M's definitely been hot on his trail. Look for him to be back in town. One of the early elite defensive tackles in the class. You want to put Dylan Mitchell on your radar. Some of those in state guys, James Foster, Dylan Mitchell, Armani Edwards, those are a few guys that to have on, on your radar. As far as the in state guys, Casey Barner, one of the more dynamic players I saw last year out of Georgia, one of the top safeties in the country. He gets it done in a variety of ways out there, but he's got some honey badger to him and I just love the way he plays the game, sees the field and he can, he can get it done in a number of ways. But yeah, those are a few of those five star guys, those top 25, 30 guys in the country. To definitely keep an eye on a. Very much in the mix for. And one of those guys that I would have put in there is Amir Sears, who He's reclassified to 27 and announcing on Friday. A and M was very much factor there and probably have a hat on the table when, when he makes his selection. But with the, with the reclassification, the moving up of his timeline, I got a feeling that one's headed a different direction. Probably a little closer to home. He's out of Miami, so keep an eye on the Canes out there for that one.
[22:32]
Host (possibly Louis Bellini or Chip Brown)
All right, so the Tech SAGS recruiting team is going to be all over the place, right? High school visits begin for you and Bronnie.
[22:39]
Jason Howell
Yeah, I know I'm getting out to a few. I'm be, you know, prioritizing some of those, you know, committed prospects. Get out to Waxahachie, get out to Burleson Centennial, see a few guys, see some practice Texas, check in with some of the top 28s in the area, do some preseason stuff with those guys and get to see them go to work under this hot Texas sun and, and make some things happen. But yeah, then, then football season's right around the corner and there's, there's quite a few big matchups already on the schedule that A and M fans are going to want to circle.
[23:23]
Host (possibly Louis Bellini or Chip Brown)
Do you have some games that you want to share with us that maybe we should put our eyes on right off the bat?
[23:29]
Jason Howell
You're going to have Fort Lauderdale, St. Thomas Aquinas and Mark Matthews going against DeSoto. I want to say that game is going to be on ESPN at the end of August. Something circle on the calendar. Start off your football season there, see a little future A and M offensive tackle there and Matthews go to work with a talented squad there at St. Thomas Aquinas. October in New Jersey, you got a big, big bang up with Don Bosco and Makai Allen taking on Bergen Catholic and what is always one of the northeast best football games. And wrapping up the season November 11, you got St. Francis Academy and IMG going toe to toe and that's going to be a big one with A and M involved on both sides. You got Zaram Forstall, you got McFarland out there at receiver and then you got Raylon Henry on the other side at cornerback for St. Francis Academy. So a lot of fun and yeah, it's. You got them sprinkled throughout the, the calendar. And of course you're always going to have some big time matchups here in, in the state of Texas. I got, I got Waxahachie and I got some other big games, Allen and South Lake Carroll and some of those games on my schedule coming up up here in the DFW area.
[25:05]
Host (possibly Louis Bellini or Chip Brown)
Mr. Howell, it's a great time. Thank you so much. We'll catch up with you next week.
[25:09]
Jason Howell
Always a pleasure.
[25:10]
Host (possibly Louis Bellini or Chip Brown)
That's the great Jason Howell there on the Bupies catering and bartending hotline. We'll hit a break. We'll come back with, in case you missed it, and I probably missed it because I haven't been looking at anything. Right now we're talking about our good friends at Paragon Financial Advisors. Great teams don't chase quick wins. They build for long term success. And that same philosophy applies at Paragon. Your financial life and your business. And they're Aggie owned and operated there at Paragon Financial Advisors. And the focus isn't on just chasing headlines or reacting to every market move. It's about building thoughtful financial planning that helps you pursue your goals for years to come. And that means helping families prepare for retirement, guiding business owners as they grow successful companies, and helping prepare for the day that they're ready to sell or transition the business that they've worked so long and hard on. If you're ready to take the long view, visit paragon-adv.com to learn more. Paragon Financial Advisors, Aggie own independent serving clients nationwide. You can get the podcasts of Texangs Live, the Louis Bellini show, or chip power at zoning1150.com, Google Play, Apple Podcasts, or Spotify. I was hoping for all the emotions in one segment. Laugh, cry, you know, all the things. But apparently, in case you missed it, it's not gonna make me cry or mad. It's all right.
[26:24]
Kaylee Dreyer
Got it. Why would you want that?
[26:25]
Host (possibly Louis Bellini or Chip Brown)
I want all the emotions.
[26:27]
Sydney Clevenger
It's just happy and funny.
[26:28]
Host (possibly Louis Bellini or Chip Brown)
Yeah, happy and funny. All right, well, let's do this. Through happy and funny, we've got Sydney in the house. Sydney Clevenger and Kaylee Dreyer.
[26:34]
Sydney Clevenger
Hello.
[26:35]
Host (possibly Louis Bellini or Chip Brown)
Hello.
[26:36]
Sydney Clevenger
I'm gonna get us started.
[26:37]
Host (possibly Louis Bellini or Chip Brown)
Why is it always awkward every time?
[26:40]
Sydney Clevenger
Every time? Because you always have a comment to say, like, I was waiting.
[26:44]
Host (possibly Louis Bellini or Chip Brown)
That's why you like to do it.
[26:45]
Sydney Clevenger
Yes, like I was waiting.
[26:46]
Host (possibly Louis Bellini or Chip Brown)
I was thinking about it, but I already used it, so I don't want to recycle.
[26:48]
Sydney Clevenger
Northgate said, well, I'm gonna get started today. Yesterday was Mike Elko's birthday.
[26:53]
Host (possibly Louis Bellini or Chip Brown)
Happy birthday.
[26:54]
Sydney Clevenger
He turned 49, which means he is now the SEC's 10th youngest head coach and 68th youngest overall in the FAA.
[27:03]
Host (possibly Louis Bellini or Chip Brown)
10th youngest head coach, which makes him the sixth oldest head coach. Fifth, sixth oldest head coach and then
[27:12]
Sydney Clevenger
the 68th youngest in FBS.
[27:15]
Host (possibly Louis Bellini or Chip Brown)
Okay. Billy said this on the stage the other day, and it hit me hard. He goes, it's the first time I've been older than a head coach at Texas A. I do remember I'm also older than Elko. That is just props to Elko for being great at his job and getting that job at a young age. But, like, I've hit that age, so.
[27:34]
Sydney Clevenger
Thanks.
[27:34]
Kaylee Dreyer
Does it make you sad? Nah, it is what it is.
[27:38]
Host (possibly Louis Bellini or Chip Brown)
I can't do anything about it.
[27:39]
Kaylee Dreyer
That is true.
[27:40]
Host (possibly Louis Bellini or Chip Brown)
I can't rewind, so. No, it's fine.
[27:43]
Sydney Clevenger
Okay. So another thing. I'm not sure if you will have seen, but a bunch of SEC teams have been doing TikToks, and they are getting clowned.
[27:51]
Host (possibly Louis Bellini or Chip Brown)
I guarantee you I haven't seen it,
[27:53]
Sydney Clevenger
but they're all over Twitter. Like, this is.
[27:57]
Host (possibly Louis Bellini or Chip Brown)
Is that the guy who was walking around town with his girlfriend or is that a different guy? I don't know.
[28:02]
Kaylee Dreyer
I'm not sure about that one.
[28:03]
Sydney Clevenger
But I know that Mississippi State had a really famous one, but we could not show that one.
[28:08]
Kaylee Dreyer
Why is it like, it was in the locker room? They were not fully clothed.
[28:12]
Sydney Clevenger
Oh, but it is a TikTok, if
[28:16]
Kaylee Dreyer
you would like to see it. It's all over Twitter.
[28:18]
Host (possibly Louis Bellini or Chip Brown)
I'm good.
[28:20]
Kaylee Dreyer
You might not want to see it.
[28:21]
Host (possibly Louis Bellini or Chip Brown)
No, I don't. Look, I recognize I'm a dinosaur in this industry. Like, you're supposed to be on TikTok and all these things. Right. I know that.
[28:31]
Kaylee Dreyer
Never.
[28:32]
Host (possibly Louis Bellini or Chip Brown)
Not gonna happen. Okay.
[28:33]
Kaylee Dreyer
It's on Twitter, though. Anyway, I'll pass. But at New Day, I get aliens
[28:38]
Host (possibly Louis Bellini or Chip Brown)
on my Twitter feed.
[28:40]
Kaylee Dreyer
I bet you do, actually, at media days. So Mississippi State was the school that started this whole, like, TikTok dance, cringy, whatever thing. And at media days, Lebby was actually asked if he would appear in a TikTok with the team after a certain number of wins, and his answer was, absolutely not. Which I. I don't blame.
[28:59]
Host (possibly Louis Bellini or Chip Brown)
Now, you know who used to do some Tiktoks. I don't know if he still does. You know, you were about to say yes. You forgot who.
[29:05]
Sydney Clevenger
But then I forgot.
[29:05]
Host (possibly Louis Bellini or Chip Brown)
Shane Beamer.
[29:06]
Sydney Clevenger
Yes.
[29:07]
Host (possibly Louis Bellini or Chip Brown)
In the beginning.
[29:07]
Sydney Clevenger
Like, he's an interesting guy.
[29:09]
Host (possibly Louis Bellini or Chip Brown)
He is. I don't hate him. People hate him. I don't hate him.
[29:12]
Sydney Clevenger
My favorite thing is when Obi makes fun of him.
[29:15]
Host (possibly Louis Bellini or Chip Brown)
Yeah. I don't hate him. Now he doesn't like us. Well, for one weekend, he probably doesn't even remember us. But I don't mind him. I mean, he's got to win. At the end of the day, that's all. You could put up with a lot if you win.
[29:26]
Kaylee Dreyer
Yes. Now, my favorite part. Holly Row was seen dancing to Mo Bamba, which is a great song at A and M football games. That's why I love this video so much. It's hilarious. I didn't know Holly got down like that.
[29:41]
Host (possibly Louis Bellini or Chip Brown)
Is that WNBA party?
[29:43]
Sydney Clevenger
It was after the wnba, yes.
[29:46]
Host (possibly Louis Bellini or Chip Brown)
Oh, my God.
[29:47]
Kaylee Dreyer
And there's some memes coming out of this video. One person said, my friend thinks you're cute. The friend. And she's the friend.
[29:55]
Jason Howell
Oh, okay.
[29:59]
Kaylee Dreyer
Look, I love that I'm gonna make
[30:01]
Host (possibly Louis Bellini or Chip Brown)
a professional choice here not to engage in this one. I'm just gonna be like, holly, you keep living your best life. Okay. Whatever is in my head, just, Holly, you keep living your best life.
[30:09]
Kaylee Dreyer
I genuinely relate to her in that video.
[30:12]
Host (possibly Louis Bellini or Chip Brown)
Is that how you dance?
[30:13]
Sydney Clevenger
So it is.
[30:13]
Host (possibly Louis Bellini or Chip Brown)
Just do the dance.
[30:14]
Kaylee Dreyer
I'm okay. You have to catch me on ngs.
[30:18]
Host (possibly Louis Bellini or Chip Brown)
Come on. All right, I'll put it on Facebook for all the old people.
[30:22]
Kaylee Dreyer
You should.
[30:23]
Sydney Clevenger
Okay, so next thing that we have, continuing on with the jersey talk that I know you all have been talking about recently, but Obviously the Big 12 and Monster, we talked about that before, and their deal is approximately $1 million per school. Well, Notre Dame and SOFI is valued at 18 to 20 million dollars per year.
[30:42]
Jason Howell
Wow.
[30:42]
Sydney Clevenger
But I also think this is interesting because Notre Dame doesn't even have their last names on the back of their jerseys, but they're going to have a sponsor on the front of them. And then this list is just basically all the schools that now have jersey sponsors. One new one is Ohio State and JPMorgan Chase, which is valued at more than $15 million annually.
[31:03]
Host (possibly Louis Bellini or Chip Brown)
Cal's got one. They got what? Dial Pad. What's Dial Pad? Like a low budget iPad.
[31:09]
Sydney Clevenger
Some of them are silver.
[31:10]
Kaylee Dreyer
Like utsa, I think, has some random.
[31:13]
Host (possibly Louis Bellini or Chip Brown)
Well, I mean, sometimes if it's your alumni and, like, you're like, I get it. And I know Trev said that A and M was not going that direction, at least for now.
[31:22]
Kaylee Dreyer
Okay, if A and M were to have a jersey patch, what brand would you like to see on the jersey?
[31:29]
Host (possibly Louis Bellini or Chip Brown)
Something Aggie owned and operated. Paragon Financial Advisors.
[31:32]
Sydney Clevenger
Okay, what about Bucky's?
[31:34]
Kaylee Dreyer
Everyone's talking Bucky's.
[31:35]
Sydney Clevenger
Or Heb.
[31:36]
Host (possibly Louis Bellini or Chip Brown)
Yeti.
[31:37]
Kaylee Dreyer
Blue Bell, I think would be a Fun one.
[31:39]
Host (possibly Louis Bellini or Chip Brown)
Blue Bell. Tech sags.
[31:41]
Kaylee Dreyer
Tech sags. There you go.
[31:42]
Host (possibly Louis Bellini or Chip Brown)
People already think we work. Like, when they're not in the market, you go, oh, you work for A and M. Right? Like, no, I cover A and.
[31:48]
Sydney Clevenger
Mm. Anyway, okay, so another big story that just came out. Tennessee starline buck backer Arian Carter has been suspended for the first two games.
[31:58]
Host (possibly Louis Bellini or Chip Brown)
What did he do? I don't know.
[31:59]
Sydney Clevenger
It's a very interesting story, in my opinion.
[32:00]
Host (possibly Louis Bellini or Chip Brown)
Tell me more.
[32:02]
Sydney Clevenger
He basically had some thoughts that he might go to the NFL. So his agent paid for a $427 flight to an NFL pre draft training facility. He ended up coming back to college, so the NCAA basically said that's not allowed. But he did pay his agent back. And my thoughts are, is this really what the NCAA is caring about? A $427 flight to NFL training facility?
[32:29]
Host (possibly Louis Bellini or Chip Brown)
That's so interesting, because there's bigger issues. Yeah, there's bigger issues. This is unrelated, but kind of in the similar. You guys see, I'm not gonna say the lady's name, but there's a news anchor in Houston that got in trouble for accepting tickets to the rodeo and the World Cup. She just got suspended, like, this week because journalists aren't supposed to. I'm sorry, I don't know why I did that. Journalists aren't supposed to do that. Which I understand that was at 13. You couldn't do it either when I worked there. And I know when Olin was with the Statesman and other places, same thing. But I just found it interesting that she went to somebody's box and has now been suspended. People, the things you can get mad at and the things you can't.
[33:11]
Sydney Clevenger
Josh Hypo put out a statement basically defending Arian. And, I mean, it doesn't help he still has to sit out against Georgia Tech and Furbin.
[33:21]
Host (possibly Louis Bellini or Chip Brown)
By the way, gaither, on the YouTube chat, you're familiar with her work. She says, don't disrespect Pandaria. It's my favorite restaurant in San Antonio. Is that the place that was. Yes, that's Utzaria.
[33:31]
Kaylee Dreyer
Jersey patch. Pandaria.
[33:33]
Host (possibly Louis Bellini or Chip Brown)
Was that good? Yeah, that was very good. I don't think it was. No, you gotta try, gotta try. Pandaria.
[33:38]
Sydney Clevenger
Pandaria.
[33:39]
Jason Howell
Very good.
[33:40]
Kaylee Dreyer
Good.
[33:40]
Host (possibly Louis Bellini or Chip Brown)
Months ago, that was a little more Italian, but it was good. Very good. Good job. All right, anyway. Anything else?
[33:47]
Kaylee Dreyer
Last thing, y' all talked about it a little bit already, but Dan Olorvsky was talking about Orlovsky. Orlovsky. Sorry, sorry.
[33:54]
Host (possibly Louis Bellini or Chip Brown)
He was a quarterback for the Texans. Do you Remember that? No, it was before your time. Yeah, he was a super backup. Go ahead.
[34:00]
Kaylee Dreyer
Okay, I wasn't born.
[34:02]
Host (possibly Louis Bellini or Chip Brown)
It was like, eight years ago.
[34:03]
Sydney Clevenger
The name sounds familiar, but you were
[34:05]
Host (possibly Louis Bellini or Chip Brown)
definitely born eight years ago. You're in college and you go to North Korea.
[34:08]
Kaylee Dreyer
He has not. And he ever get a pedicure? Correct me if I'm wrong, but you said you wouldn't get a pedicure earlier on the show.
[34:15]
Sydney Clevenger
Did you say that?
[34:16]
Host (possibly Louis Bellini or Chip Brown)
I didn't say that. I just don't think dude feet talk is allowed. I think dude feet talk is. I think right now there are people driving, crashing. Sorry, Brian. College Station, no guys and feet out if they're gross.
[34:32]
Kaylee Dreyer
But if they're pedicures, they're perfectly fine.
[34:36]
Sydney Clevenger
Okay.
[34:36]
Kaylee Dreyer
It's hygienic. You get, like, a massage, too.
[34:38]
Host (possibly Louis Bellini or Chip Brown)
I'm not saying you shouldn't do it. You shouldn't talk about it. That's all I'm saying.
[34:41]
Kaylee Dreyer
But it's, like, clean.
[34:43]
Host (possibly Louis Bellini or Chip Brown)
Okay, but I don't talk about my showers.
[34:45]
Sydney Clevenger
In the lobby, she told OB that he should go get a pedicure. And he said, absolutely not.
[34:51]
Host (possibly Louis Bellini or Chip Brown)
Look, if you want to get one, fine. I'm not going to judge you for getting one. I just don't want to talk about
[34:55]
Kaylee Dreyer
dudes feet because they're generally gross. But if you get a pedicure, then they're not really. They still kind of are, like, caring your food.
[35:05]
Host (possibly Louis Bellini or Chip Brown)
Like, I'm good. Like, I'm.
[35:06]
Kaylee Dreyer
Oh, I guess.
[35:09]
Host (possibly Louis Bellini or Chip Brown)
Nick, what are your thoughts on this topic?
[35:12]
Nick (possibly Nick Saban or Nick from the show)
I would not get one.
[35:15]
Host (possibly Louis Bellini or Chip Brown)
Well, what if you have, like.
[35:16]
Nick (possibly Nick Saban or Nick from the show)
But that doesn't mean I haven't gotten one before.
[35:19]
Host (possibly Louis Bellini or Chip Brown)
Don't you like, it'll stop you getting an ingrown nail like this.
[35:24]
Kaylee Dreyer
You know who does get pedicures? Anderson Garcia. He was seen all the time at Nail Lounge. All the time.
[35:29]
Sydney Clevenger
Always.
[35:30]
Host (possibly Louis Bellini or Chip Brown)
I'm sure he wants that out there.
[35:32]
Kaylee Dreyer
He was posting about it.
[35:33]
Nick (possibly Nick Saban or Nick from the show)
I'm pretty sure.
[35:34]
Kaylee Dreyer
Sorry, Andy.
[35:35]
Jason Howell
You're not sure, are you?
[35:37]
Host (possibly Louis Bellini or Chip Brown)
All right, so apologies for all the accidents on Texas Avenue and on University on Bush for listening to this segment. We appreciate it. All right, let's move on to anything but feet talk. We're done.
[35:51]
Kaylee Dreyer
We're done with feet talk.
[35:52]
Host (possibly Louis Bellini or Chip Brown)
Thank you. I have no life spot. I just wish I did. I wish I had something. Nick, toss it to break, please. The money machine. The money machine is open now. Let's go@zone1150.com or you can enter through the zone newsletter to win $5,000. Come on. We will talk football, I promise. You after that segment, it is Texas Live. We go to the angry elephant news and social center. Ashley Munson on her final show at Texacts, she becomes a grown up. She goes into the real world. She'll have real responsibility, real bills. Munson, do you have a question for us? I do.
[36:36]
Kaylee Dreyer
So what has coach Mike Elko changed the most since taking over?
[36:41]
Host (possibly Louis Bellini or Chip Brown)
Okay. I want the audience to participate in this. So text in your answers on the catalyst. Pure performance energy. Tech signer on the YouTube page or on tech Sax chat. I was on the premium chat a moment ago. Wherever. All right. And I want Nick to answer for me. What he has changed. Now, you have to understand, I covered other A and M coaches. I covered coach Fran on a day to day basis in 2005. I believe it was 0405. And then I did not cover Sherman on a day to day basis. I did not cover Summland on a day to day basis. So I just wasn't around them enough. But what I can tell you what he's changed from what I think the Jimbo era was is organization and focus. Okay. At times it felt like during that era they were just. I know they had a plan. Don't get me wrong. Like I'm not trying to minimize, but I feel like there's a clear direction and everything has a checks and balances. Right. So they're gonna do business a certain way. It's not open for interpretation. It is transparent. This is how we're going to do it. He's also, I believe, restored hope that this program is beyond what they've been in years past. So I think that's one of the best things that coach Elko has done is he's got a clear call it business plan for Texas A and M football. What it should look like, a hierarchy, how teams. And I also think he's done this. I think he's done a great job of adapting to the ever changing landscape of college athletics while keeping an old school mentality. And I don't think that's easy to do. Right. Like Daba, who I think is a really good coach, has not adapted to the changing landscape. I believe that. Let's use another one. Brian Kelly. I don't know if he adapted to the changing land. He tried too hard. Right. So you can. Jimbo did not adapt to the way defenses were adapting to them. Right. It was so complicated. I think you have less of an attention span with your generation than years past. I think coach Elko has a little bit of the old school mentality. Mixed in with forward thinking. Nick, what say you, friend?
[38:53]
Nick (possibly Nick Saban or Nick from the show)
Along the lines. And on a selfish note, like, my trust in them, like, I trust that going into big games, like in years past, I feel like I haven't been as a fan, I guess I'm speaking, or as a student at A and M, I didn't always have the trust that, you know, A and M would show up in big games or would be prepared for. For games and stuff like that. But now I think every game the Aggies led by Mike Elko go into, I trust that they are ready to go and will will be ready to give their best effort. And I think he. He's brought that to A and M.
[39:31]
Host (possibly Louis Bellini or Chip Brown)
I also think he's. For me, he has changed. I used to think, how are they going to lose this thing? To now I'm like, how are they going to win this thing? And that's kind of been a shift internally that I. Because as I've said on this show this week already, like the UCLA famous game in Los Angeles where I told my co worker Tom Abrams, they're going to lose this game. They were up big at half, right. They're going to find a way to lose it. And the reverse to that is the South Carolina game last year where. And I'm not saying I'm always like this. I'm not saying that I'm always optimistic because I'm not. I mean, Olin will tell you he sits with me. But that game I like to point at because I think it's because of Coach Elko that I'm like, all right, if they do this, they're going to find a way to win. And that's because I believe in the process. I believe in what he's done. I believe in everything that they had put together to that point, that they are a better team than they are showing. This is a comedy of errors. So that's what I think. He has changed. There's a good text that came in if you want to read it, from Cody on the Catalyst, Pure for performance energy text line if you want to do that one.
[40:32]
Sydney Clevenger
Yeah.
[40:32]
Kaylee Dreyer
He said Elko has changed the culture the most.
[40:35]
Host (possibly Louis Bellini or Chip Brown)
And I think that is great. Now we're not in the locker room, but what I can tell you is these guys for their interviews in nil, right? They show up on time, they're eager to talk to us, and they don't have to be guys because I've been around star athletes that aren't like it's. And I think that is. But I Think it speaks to how they like to do their business. I'm using one example, but you can see it on the practice field. You can see it on how they play their games. You can see it in their warm ups, right? So for me that is very apparent. The culture was it. I don't know if Jimbo said this or not, but I know somebody famous has said it. How you do one thing is how you do everything is one way to say this. It's easy to say that out loud. Hey, how you do this, how you do everything. But when you really go about your business that same way, how you go about your studies, how you go about your practice habits, how you go about your lift, your recovery, your conditioning, that to me has been instilled. And you have to have a staff that supports your message and your mission. And he's done a great job of establishing that. And I think he's done a really good job hiring coordinators and assistant coaches. He's done. So I've given you a long answer. What else? Another question or whatever else. This is your last minute and 30 on the show. I mean if you, you want to just be like, ask a question.
[41:55]
Kaylee Dreyer
Okay, I'll ask another question.
[41:56]
Host (possibly Louis Bellini or Chip Brown)
Okay. And you could do a quick one.
[41:57]
Kaylee Dreyer
What does success look like for the Aggies this year?
[42:05]
Host (possibly Louis Bellini or Chip Brown)
Success is 9 and 3 or better. Now there are going to be many people that say that's not a success, that's a step back. I'm taking into account the changes and the nine game SEC schedule. I think success is nine and three or better this year. I think ideal success is another year in the playoffs. You hope you're knocking on the door of the playoffs that last couple weeks of the season, right? That's a successful season. We may not feel it in the moment. I mean, how many people were upset after the Miami game, right? Like, oh, the season was a failure. It wasn't a failure. It was great. It was 11 and two needs to be better and that's what they're building towards. So to me, success has to be 9 or 3 or better. And ideally a double digit win season and a playoff win, that to me is optimal success. Winning a national championship is ultimately what we all want. All right, that's gonna do it for Tech. SAGS live here on a Wednesday. Tomorrow on the show, I bet you the fan show guys will be here because what else are they going to do? Work? Doubt it. Thanks so much for watching and listening. We'll catch up with you manana.
[43:13]
Kaylee Dreyer
Granger knows when you're a procurement manager for an office park, you're not managing one building, you're managing all of them.
[43:20]
Jason Howell
And to stay ahead, you need to see through walls and around corners.
[43:24]
Kaylee Dreyer
Lights about to fail, Filters ready to clog H Vac on its last leg. If you wait until something breaks, you're already behind. Count on Grainger for quality products, easy reordering and 24. 7 support. Call 1-800-GRAINGER click grainger.com or just stop by Grainger for the ones who get it done.

TexAgs Live - Jason Howell : 07.29.26

TexAgs Live - Jason Howell : 07.29.26

Podcast Summary: TexAgs Live - Jason Howell (07.29.26)

Episode Overview

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Coach Elko’s Recruiting Philosophy & Culture Building

2. Retention, Transfer Portal, and Lessons from 2022

3. 2027 Recruiting Cycle: Status & Strategy

4. “Maintain” vs. “Expand” Strategy & Looking to 2028

5. Recruiting News & Notable Names

6. Early 2028 Five-Star Targets to Watch

7. Upcoming High School Matchups & Scouting Itinerary

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

Additional Lighthearted & News Segments

Listener Interaction & Final Discussion

Key Timestamps

Tone & Language

Podcast Summary: TexAgs Live - Jason Howell (07.29.26)

Episode Overview

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Coach Elko’s Recruiting Philosophy & Culture Building

2. Retention, Transfer Portal, and Lessons from 2022

3. 2027 Recruiting Cycle: Status & Strategy

4. “Maintain” vs. “Expand” Strategy & Looking to 2028

5. Recruiting News & Notable Names

6. Early 2028 Five-Star Targets to Watch

7. Upcoming High School Matchups & Scouting Itinerary

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

Additional Lighthearted & News Segments

Listener Interaction & Final Discussion

Key Timestamps

Tone & Language