4-star LB Noah Mikhail commits to Texas A&M: ‘Coach Elko is a great defensive-minded head coach'

When Mike Elko became the new head coach at Texas A&M, he and his staff began to prioritize La Verne (Calif.) Bonita four-star linebacker Noah Mikhail as one of their top defensive targets. Aggies defensive coordinator/linebackers coach Jay Bateman got to know Mikhail when he was coaching at Florida and reached out to the 6-foot-2, 210-pound recruit. 

Elko soon visited Mikhail at his high school and the talented defender eventually went to see Texas A&M’s head man three times in College Station, including from June 21-23 for his official visit. After a long week finalizing his college destination, Mikhail felt best about the Aggies and committed to the SEC program over Oregon and USC on Sunday. 

“The biggest difference for me was where I felt comfortable and happy, and I think that’s what really separated Texas A&M from the other schools,” Mikhail told On3. “Opportunities, development and fit are also huge, but I think that was the difference maker.” 

Mikhail is the latest blue-chip from California to choose Texas A&M

The Aggies’ culture under Elko stood out to Mikhail, as well as the family environment on Texas A&M’s campus. Before his official, he previously visited the Aggies for their spring game on April 20 and a spring practice. 

Mikhail spoke with his family and prayed ahead of his “really tough” decision, which resulted in Texas A&M landing the No. 4 player in California. The Aggies now have pledges from three of The Golden State’s top four players in Mikhail, Corona (Calif.) Centennial four-star quarterback Husan Longstreet and Lancaster (Calif.) Quartz Hill four-star cornerback Adonyss Currie. 

“There’s opportunity in that linebacker room and being able to sit down with coach Bateman showed me that I can play in space a lot, as well as be able to cover and make tackles in space,” said Mikhail, the No. 77 overall prospect and No. 7 linebacker in the 2025 On3 Industry Ranking. “I really like playing in space and I feel comfortable doing it, so my fit there is really nice.” 

Mikhail is excited to play for Elko in the SEC

Mikhail is looking forward to playing for the Aggies. Yet if it was a year ago, it would be “a big surprise” that Texas A&M landed his commitment. 

A key reason why the Aggies rose to the top for Mikhail is Elko. The Aggies’ head man having a defensive background played a crucial role in the four-star choosing Texas A&M. 

“Coach Elko is a great defensive-minded head coach,” Mikhail said. “He’s really genuine and he’s an honest guy. He’ll find a way to get the best out of you, push you hard and coach you hard.” 

The California native is excited to play at Kyle Field on Saturdays in the coming years. During those games, he will get to face top programs in the SEC. 

“It’s the premier conference in college football,” Mikhail said. “… It’s the strongest conference with the most NFL Draft picks. Playing against the competition and rising up to the occasion and the challenge is what I’m really looking forward to.”