Five-star Arrington commits to Aggieland

The East County’s most decorated football recruit in history will head to one of the nation’s top football programs.

On Thursday, Mount Miguel star Brandon Arrington announced his commitment to Texas A&M University, choosing the Aggies over a host of elite programs, including runner-up Oregon.

The ceremony at Mount Miguel High School marked a pivotal moment for the No. 10 overall prospect in the 2026 class, according to 247Sports Composite rankings, and a major recruiting victory for head coach Mike Elko and his staff.

Arrington’s decision, alongside Matador head coach Verlain Betofe, was made in front of family, peers, and a livestream audience, solidifying Texas A&M’s No. 2-ranked 2026 recruiting class, with the versatile 6-foot-2, 180-pound standout set to bring his electrifying speed and playmaking ability to College Station.

Arrington’s high school career at Mount Miguel High School has been nothing short of spectacular, both on the football field and especially on the track.

As a two-sport phenom, he has drawn comparisons to NFL star Travis Hunter for his ability to excel on both sides of the ball.

In his 2024 junior season, Arrington showcased his versatility, recording 26 tackles, three pass breakups, and an interception as a cornerback while also hauling in 57 receptions for 527 yards and five touchdowns as a wide receiver. His explosive playmaking extended to special teams, where he flashed his game-changing speed with a 65-yard punt return touchdown during his sophomore year at Helix before transferring to Mount Miguel.

On the track, Arrington is a state champion sprinter whose elite speed has set him apart as one of the nation’s top prospects. In 2024, he won California state titles in the 100-meter dash (10.33 seconds) and 200-meter dash (20.55 seconds), with personal bests of 10.24 and 20.37, respectively, at the Arcadia Invitational, where he broke a meet record previously held by Olympic gold medalist Noah Lyles.

As a freshman, he claimed the 150-meter title and finished fourth in the 60-meter dash at the California Winter Outdoor Championships. His personal bests as a sophomore (10.43 in the 100m and 20.76 in the 200m) already hinted at his potential to be a dual-sport star in college, with some evaluators calling him a potential Olympic hopeful for 2028.

“I feel like my track times benefit me for getting these big offers because colleges love speed.” Arrington told On3.

Arrington’s rare combination of length, athleticism, and world-class speed made him one of the most coveted recruits in the 2026 cycle, earning him a five-star rating from major recruiting services like 247Sports, On3, and Rivals. He fielded scholarship offers from 44 Division I programs, a testament to his elite status.Among the heavyweights vying for his commitment were Alabama, USC, Penn State, Georgia, Michigan, Notre Dame, Oklahoma, Tennessee, and Florida, to name a few.

However, the final race came down to Texas A&M and Oregon, with Arrington taking official visits to both campuses in the weeks leading up to his decision.

Oregon, led by head coach Dan Lanning, made a strong push, bolstered by their elite track program and storied Hayward Field, known as “Tracktown USA.”

Despite the Ducks’ appeal, Arrington cited the relationships he built with Texas A&M assistants Jordan Peterson and Bryant Gross-Armiento as a deciding factor.

“They’ve been recruiting me the hardest,” Arrington said during his commitment ceremony, livestreamed by 247Sports. “They told me the plan they want for me, and I feel like that’s the place to be in my heart.”

The Aggies’ recruiting momentum under Elko has been undeniable, with Arrington becoming their 18th commitment in the 2026 class and their first five-star pledge of the cycle. His decision came on the heels of commitments from four-star running back KJ Edwards and other top prospects, pushing Texas A&M’s class to fifth nationally.

Arrington’s commitment was celebrated across social media, with fans and analysts alike buzzing about his potential to become an elite Power 4 cornerback.

Extremely proud of my guy Brandon. It’s been a long journey since middle school with my dawg. My guy is going to go down as one of the greatest athletes in San Diego history. Great day for the Matador program and the Arrington family.‼️ #ValleyUP #TexasAM pic.twitter.com/tME6F8k9Ti

— Verlain Betofe (@CoachVMAKASI) June 19, 2025

While National Signing Day is still months away, Arrington’s pledge is a cornerstone for Texas A&M’s ambitions in the SEC.

“If his ceiling is a 10, he’s only at a three right now,” said Betofe, who has taken Mount Miguel to its pinnacle of football success. “Once he gets to the next level, he’s going to explode.”