In the world of college football recruiting, the chase for top-tier talent never slows down— and it’s clear that the 2026 class is already packed with fierce competition. National Signing Day might have come and gone, but the stakes are higher than ever. Schools across the country are scrambling to secure commitments from the next generation of stars, and one recruit in particular is keeping coaches on their toes. Carsyn Baker, a 4-star running back from Langston Hughes High School in Fairburn, Georgia, has caused quite a stir with his recruitment— and the drama surrounding his decision is only just beginning.
As we all know, when it comes to the recruiting wars, big names like South Carolina’s Shane Beamer and Georgia’s Kirby Smart are always front-runners. Both had their sights set on Baker, who quickly became one of the hottest commodities in the class of 2026. With his jaw-dropping stats from his junior season, including 1,282 rushing yards and 13 touchdowns on just 145 carries (an eye-popping 8.8 yards per carry), it was no surprise that teams were lining up for his signature. But what no one expected was the sudden shift in the recruiting game that left these two powerhouse programs scrambling to catch up.
In a move that left Beamer and Smart waiting on the sidelines, Baker dropped a bombshell that changed the entire dynamic of his recruitment. According to On3’s Chad Simmons, Baker has locked in his first official visit—to none other than Texas A&M. The visit is set for June 20, and it’s clear that head coach Mike Elko and his staff have made an impression. Not only does the Aggies’ class already boast 10 impressive commits, including Baker’s own teammate, tight end Xavier Tiller, but their early push in the recruiting race has been incredibly effective.
While Baker has already had unofficial visits to major programs like South Carolina and Georgia, it’s clear that his recruitment is still wide open. And with 48 offers to his name—ranging from top-tier programs like Auburn, Ole Miss, and Kentucky—it’s evident that the young running back has the world at his feet. However, it’s his electrifying speed that sets him apart from other recruits in this class. With a personal best of 10.65 seconds in the 100-meter dash (wind-aided), Baker’s combination of size and speed makes him a potential game-changer wherever he lands.
So, what makes Texas A&M such an intriguing option for Baker? According to him, his experience at Kyle Field was unforgettable. “It was rocking there,” he said. “There were 109,000 people inside the stadium. Coach Trooper Taylor is a great guy, and the rest of the staff made me feel welcome. The fans were amazing, and the current commits I met told me how much they love it there.” With the Aggies already boasting a strong 2026 class, Baker is definitely feeling the pull of a program on the rise. The Aggies’ pitch is clear: they want him to be a key part of their bright future.
But let’s not forget that the competition is fierce. While Texas A&M may have secured the first official visit, Georgia and South Carolina are far from out of the race. Georgia, in particular, remains a heavy favorite. Baker’s unofficial visit to Athens in the fall was a huge moment, and receiving an offer from the Bulldogs felt like the culmination of years of hard work. “That’s something I’ve been working all these years to get,” he said, reflecting on Georgia’s offer. Kirby Smart and his coaching staff will now have to work overtime to keep their momentum with the 6’2”, 210-pound running back.
Meanwhile, South Carolina, led by Shane Beamer, has also made a strong impression on Baker. After another unofficial visit to Columbia in late January, it’s clear that Beamer is doing everything he can to make Baker feel like a top priority. Baker has stated that he wants to play for a winning program—one that is consistently competing for national championships. Both Georgia and South Carolina fit this vision perfectly, so it’s likely that these schools will continue to make a strong push for his commitment in the coming months.
For now, the race for Carsyn Baker is wide open, with each school trying to make its case as the best fit. But one thing is clear: Mike Elko and Texas A&M have seized the early advantage with their official visit, and they now have a golden opportunity to show Baker why their program is the right place for him. With three commitments from Georgia players already, the Aggies are making a statement that they’re a legitimate contender in this battle for one of the top running backs in the country.
As the recruitment saga continues to unfold, all eyes will be on Carsyn Baker— and his decision could send shockwaves through college football. Will he stick with the traditional powers like Georgia and South Carolina, or will he make a bold move and commit to Texas A&M? Only time will tell, but one thing is certain: the future of this dynamic RB is brighter than ever, and the race to land him is far from over.
