2026 safety Markel Ford decommits from Texas A&M

Mesquite (Texas) Horn three-star safety Markel Ford has decommitted from Texas A&M, he announced on Friday.

He was pledged to the in-state Aggies since June 27.

“First and foremost, I want to express my deepest gratitude to God for blessing me with the talent and opportunities I’ve had, both on and off the field. I also want to thank my mom and family for their unwavering support and for always being there for me, no matter what. A special thank you goes to Coach Elko, Coach Bateman, Coach Ish, and the entire A&M coaching staff for welcoming me into the Aggie family and giving me the opportunity to be a part of something special. After much thought, prayer, and reflection, I have decided to decommit from Texas A&M University,” Ford wrote on X announcing his decision.

“I believe it is in the best interest of my future to open up my recruitment once again. Thank you to everyone who has supported me during this journey. I am excited for what the future holds.”

Ford is the No. 545 overall prospect and No. 49 safety in the 2026 cycle, according to the On3 Industry Ranking, a weighted average that utilizes all four major recruiting media companies. He’s also the No. 73 player in Texas.

The 6-foot-0.5, 190-pounder was one of nine commits and the longest-tenured pledge in Mike Elko’s 2026 class prior to his announcement Friday.

As a junior for Horn, Ford had 45 total tackles, an interception and three pass deflections, per MaxPreps. That followed an impressive sophomore campaign that witnessed four picks and 56 tackles from the Lone Star State defensive back.

Texas A&M loses member of top-five recruiting class

With Ford no longer in the mix, the Aggies still have eight commits and a 2026 class that ranks No. 4 in the nation, according to the On3 Industry Team Recruiting Rankings.

A&M picked up some major recruiting momentum in October following a big win over LSU. It landed five blue-chip commitments that month, with Douglasville (Ga.) Douglas County four-star wide receiver Aaron Gregory, Douglas County four-star EDGE Jordan Carter and Carson (Calif.) Leuzinger four-star EDGE Samu Moala all committing within 24 hours of each other.

Gregory headlines as the No. 64 recruit and No. 8 WR in the cycle, while Carter ranks No. 113 overall. That trio followed commitments from Provo (Utah) four-star quarterback Helaman Casuga and North Duplin (N.C.) four-star defensive lineman Trashawn Ruffin earlier in the month. Both are top-200 recruits, with Casuga checking in as the No. 12 QB in the cycle.

All eight commits in the class are four-star prospects to date. Oradell (N.J.) Bergen Catholic four-star DL Jermaine Kinsler, Bellflower (Calif.) St. John Bosco four-star WR Madden Williams and Long Beach (Calif.) Lakewood four-star tight end Caleb Tafua, all of whom are top-300 prospects, round out the class.