4-star RB Deondrae Riden commits to Mike Elko and the Aggies: 'He will change the program around'

One of the nation’s best running backs has locked in his college decision.

Four-star DeSoto (Texas) RB Deondrae Riden committed to Texas A&M on Monday night, electing to stay in-state to pick the Aggies. Both Texas A&M and Texas got the On300 running back and two-time state champion on campus last month along with Baylor. SMU and USC were also in the mix for the sought-after back.

Asked about his decision to pledge early to the Aggies, Riden pointed to first-year head coach Mike Elko and his impact on the program.

“Elko, Elko, Elko … he’s one of the best coaches in the game and everything he’s doing for the program is putting people on notice,” Riden told On3 on his commitment to Texas A&M.

“I promise you he will change the program around.”

Riden was back in College Station last month — for the first time since Elko and co. landed in Aggieland.

Texas A&M assistants Tony Jerod-Eddie and Trooper Taylor also played roles in Riden’s commitment.

“I want to check out the vibes, see the vibes. I met wit them earlier (last) week and they’re all good people, they’re straightforward and they don’t sugarcoat anything,” Riden told On3.

Leading the way for Texas A&M has been Elko, who has embodied all of those same attributes while recruiting the On300 back.

“I think it’s gonna be a big change,” he started.

“Coach Elko is a good dude. He’s a real dude, there’s something about the way he carries himself, the way he talks,” Riden previously told On3. “They’re all good people, they’re straightforward and they don’t sugarcoat anything. I think it’s gonna be a big change.”

Riden is the nation’s No. 181 overall prospect and No. 12 running back in the 2025 cycle according to the On3 Industry Ranking — a weighted average that utilizes all four major recruiting media companies. He is also the No. 29 recruit in Texas.