Aggie Gold Rush: Five-Star Edge Rusher Tristian Givens Electrifies Texas A&M’s 2026 Class
COLLEGE STATION, TX — In a seismic recruiting victory, the Texas A&M Aggies have secured a commitment from Tristian Givens, the nation’s top-tier five-star edge rusher in the Class of 2026—a move that sends a powerful statement about the program’s rise under head coach Mike Elko.
Givens, a 6‑foot‑3½, 215‑pound powerhouse from Carver High School in Columbus, GA, boasts over 30 sacks in the past two seasons and ranks as a top-10 edge defender nationally by 247Sports, with On3 and ESPN placing him among the elite top 20 . His exploits on the field have drawn offers from powerhouse programs like Tennessee, USC, and Florida State, but in the end, Aggieland won out.
Sources report Givens was swayed by his relationships with Coach Elko, the coaching staff, and A&M’s passionate fan environment at Kyle Field . His high school coach, Jarvis Jones, praised him as a “big, fast, violent” athlete who excels both off the edge and in space—traits A&M clearly valued .
Why Givens Makes Waves for A&M:
Instant Defense Boost: With freshmen-eligible players like Jordan Carter and Samu Moala already committed, Givens significantly strengthens a growing defensive front .
National-Class Momentum: His addition helps Texas A&M build momentum in their recruitment, with the 2026 class now ranked among the nation’s elite .
Program Alignment: Givens cited developmental culture and meaningful coaching relationships—particularly with Coach Elko—as key reasons for choosing A&M over other finalists .
For a program looking to cement its place in the SEC hierarchy, landing a player of Givens’ caliber sends a powerful message: Texas A&M is not just in the mix—it’s a destination.