2026 Mesquite (TX) Horn safety Markel Ford commits to Texas A&M

Texas A&M continues to tap into the DFW area, and this time, one of the best in 2026 has made the call. 

Shortly after arriving in College Station, Mike Elko and his staff made Mesquite (TX) Horn safety Markel Ford‍ a top priority, and the standout defender announced today his commitment to the Aggies.

Ford checks in at 6-foot and 195 pounds, and he is a ballhawk on the backend of the defense. His high football IQ and his instincts allow him to quickly make reads, and his length and speed give him the range to reach all areas across the defensive backfield. Then there is his physicality. He is quick to step into the alley, get downhill, and lay the wood.

Nicknamed “DD,” Ford has been on college radars since before his freshman year, and Elko and his A&M staff offered in early December. Area recruiter Tony Jerod-Eddie and defensive backs coach Ish Aristide led TA&M’s recruiting efforts, and Elko also took a personal interest in his recruitment.

In addition to Texas A&M, Ford also received offers from Arizona State, Arkansas, Auburn, Baylor, Colorado, Colorado State, Grambling, Houston, LSU, Ole Miss, Mississippi State, Oklahoma State, Oregon, Oregon State, Purdue, SMU, TCU, Tennessee, Texas, Texas State, Texas Tech, UCF, UTSA, USC and Utah.

Ford becomes the first member of the Aggies’ 2026 class.

As a sophomore in 2023, he recorded 56 tackles, seven TFLs, four interceptions and two forced fumbles on his way to district defensive newcomer of the year honors. He is currently ranked No. 8 in the 2026 TexAgs Texas Top 25.