Texas A&M is known for elite offensive line play going back 20-plus seasons, and under third-year head coach Mike Elko, nothing has changed, as he'll send five veteran O-linemen to the 2026 NFL Scouting Combine, joining a nation-leading 13 players. This week, Elko and his staff have secured several key official visits in the 2027 recruiting class, including five-star offensive tackle Kennedy Brown.
Among the "elite" blue-chip offensive line prospects in the 2027 class, Kennedy Brown and the No. 1-ranked offensive tackle, Mark Mathews, are 1A and 1B for most teams, while Brown has the slight edge from a versatility standpoint. However, Mathews has the size advantage at 6'6" and over 300 pounds, and the Aggies are continuing to make headway with the Florida native.
Mike Elko has yet to secure an official visit. Mathews stated at the start of the year that an OV to College Station is likely in the works after his unofficial visit to Texas A&M back in early October. After landing former five-star offensive lineman Lamont Rogers in the 2025 signing class, O-line coach Adam Cushing is the right man to lead the charge.
Speaking with On3's Chad Simmons earlier this week, Mathews discussed his standing with Miami, Georgia, and Texas A&M, and while the Hurricanes remain in the lead, the incoming St. Thomas Aquinas HS senior continues to communicate with the Aggies coaching staff and will heavily consider Texas A&M moving forward.
“It’s just that feeling. I stepped on campus, I really do like it. The coaching staff — from coach (Adam Cushing), coach (Deveonte) Mackey, coach (Wisly Desire), even coach Elko,” Matthews stated about his A&M interest. “My family likes A&M, I like A&M, we’ll just see where this road goes.”
Regarding his immediate playing future, like Kennedy Brown, Mark Mathews is talented enough to start or rotate in as a freshman. While Lamont Rogers seldom saw the field during the 2025 season, that was mainly due to the veteran players in front of him. Looking ahead to the 2027 season, Mathews would likely contend for a starting tackle spot.
“(A&M) wants to bring me in as a guy who can start early. That’s what they’ve told me from the jump and that’s something I want to do,” Mathews said.
Early playing time is an important selling point among all three programs that Mathews will consider, and while Miami and Georgia will likely offer the same opportunity, it's important to note that Mathews, and every other 2027 offensive line prospect, will watch three, four, or possibly all five Texas A&M O-linemen be selected in the 2026 NFL Draft.
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This article originally appeared on Aggies Wire: Texas A&M continues to make strong push for 2027 5-star Mark Mathews