Just when it seemed like Texas A&M’s 2025 football coaching staff had settled into place like puzzle pieces perfectly aligned, head coach Mike Elko has pulled off a thunderous offseason surprise — one that could dramatically shift the recruiting landscape in College Station and beyond.
According to 247Sports insider Matt Zenitz, Elko is expected to hire former Miami Hurricanes recruiting wizard David “Pop” Cooney, a man widely regarded as one of the sharpest recruiting minds in college football, ahead of a crucial summer stretch in the 2026 recruiting cycle.
And make no mistake — this isn’t just a hire. This is a strategic weaponization of talent acquisition.
The Architect Behind Elite Recruits
During his three-year tenure as recruiting director and assistant wide receivers coach at Miami, Cooney made waves in the recruiting world, helping to build a talent pipeline that’s already flooding into the NFL. Among his success stories? Xavier Restrepo and Jacolby George, now suiting up on Sundays after being molded under Cooney’s guidance.
But Cooney’s real magic lies in what he does off the field — namely, forging iron-clad relationships with high school stars and flipping recruiting battles that others deem unwinnable.
One of the most intriguing examples? Tristen Keys, a five-star wide receiver and current LSU commit, who is still actively engaging with Texas A&M and expected to take an official visit to Aggieland in the coming weeks. Cooney was one of the primary architects of Miami’s original pursuit of Keys, and now, that relationship could suddenly tilt in Texas A&M’s favor — especially if Cooney helps reignite the spark.
Another storyline unfolding in real time involves Aaron Gregory, a four-star wideout already committed to the Aggies — and a player reportedly being aggressively pursued by rivals, including the Texas Longhorns. With Cooney now entering the fold, expect that door to slam shut for good. His presence could be the anchor Gregory needs to stay firmly locked in with A&M.
⏳ Timing is Everything — and This Timing is Deadly
This surprise move couldn’t come at a more pivotal moment. Texas A&M is about to host an elite wave of 2026 prospects, including multiple five-star athletes, for one of the most high-stakes recruiting weekends of the summer. What better way to tip the scales than bringing in a proven recruiting juggernaut who has been in the trenches, flipped top-tier talent, and helped sculpt powerhouse rosters?
For Elko, who’s already shown a fearless approach to coaching hires — like bringing in Lyle Hemphill for defensive coordination earlier this offseason — this is simply another chess move. A daring one. A calculated one. And one that could have ripple effects all the way through National Signing Day.
⚠️ Controversial? Maybe. Game-Changing? Absolutely.
To critics, the timing of the hire may raise eyebrows. Why tweak the coaching staff now? Why disrupt the rhythm? But the answer is simple: Elko isn’t waiting for problems to arise — he’s anticipating the future and attacking it head-on.
Cooney isn’t a filler piece. He’s a catalyst. A closer. A rainmaker in the chaotic world of college football recruiting.
The Bigger Picture: Elko’s Vision is Crystal Clear
Texas A&M is no longer just reacting to the SEC arms race — it’s becoming an arms dealer. With NIL battles intensifying and the recruiting trail more competitive than ever, the margin for error is razor-thin. Bringing in someone like Cooney is a masterstroke that signals Elko’s plan isn’t just to compete — it’s to dominate.
So while the hire hasn’t been made official just yet, one thing is certain: the rest of the college football world just felt a shift — and it’s coming from College Station.
“He’s not just a recruiter — he’s a relationship architect. David ‘Pop’ Cooney could be the most important offseason addition A&M makes this year.”
– Recruiting Analyst, Aggies Today
