Texas A&M Coaches Make Strategic Push in 2026 Recruiting Class
In a decisive move to bolster their offensive front, Texas A&M offensive line coach Adam Cushing and running backs coach Trooper Taylor recently hit the recruiting trail hard, making personal visits to several high-priority 2026 offensive line targets. Their latest stop? The campus of Cedar Hill High School in Texas, where 6-foot-6, 300-pound offensive lineman Jeremiah “J.T.” Douglas is already making national noise.
Douglas, ranked among the top ten interior linemen in the 2026 class by multiple recruiting services, has been on Texas A&M’s radar since his breakout sophomore season. Known for his explosive first step, long reach, and rare ability to finish blocks deep into the second level, he’s exactly the kind of lineman Coach Cushing wants anchoring the Aggies’ future front five.
Cushing, now in his third season in College Station, has quietly built a reputation for developing rugged, NFL-caliber talent. His visit, however, wasn’t just about evaluating Douglas — it was a statement of intent. “Coach Cushing talked to me about building a legacy,” Douglas said. “He told me I have the tools to be an All-SEC player, and that A&M wants to build the offensive line around guys like me.”
Alongside him, Trooper Taylor brought his signature energy to the visit. Known for his infectious enthusiasm and relentless recruiting style, Taylor focused on relationship-building, not only with Douglas but also with Cedar Hill head coach Robert Jennings. While Taylor coaches running backs, his involvement in this visit signals how closely the staff is working together to secure top-tier trench talent — essential for any elite ground game.
“Coach Taylor was talking about how a great O-line sets the tone for the whole offense,” Douglas said. “He said A&M’s running backs need a wall in front of them, and they think I can be part of that wall.”
Texas A&M isn’t alone in their pursuit. Douglas has drawn interest from Alabama, LSU, Texas, and Ohio State. But insiders say the Aggies’ early and consistent involvement gives them an edge, particularly after the personal touch shown during this recent visit. Sources close to Douglas say he appreciates the detailed development plan laid out by Cushing and the camaraderie he felt with Taylor.
This trip also reflects a broader strategy from head coach Mike Elko’s staff, which has emphasized aggressive early identification and relationship-building with 2026 prospects. By getting face time with elite recruits now, Texas A&M is hoping to lock in key commitments before the whirlwind of junior season hype begins.
For now, Douglas remains uncommitted. But after the visit, he confirmed that he’ll be in College Station for the Aggies’ June 8th summer camp. If that trip goes as planned, Texas A&M could be one step closer to securing a future anchor of its offensive line — and perhaps the foundation of a dominant 2026 recruiting class.
