Texas A\&M’s offseason plans took a hit this week as one of their top transfer portal targets, former Arizona State wide receiver Jalen McKnight, has backed off his verbal commitment to the Aggies — for the second time. The unexpected turn comes just weeks after McKnight had reaffirmed his intent to transfer to College Station, raising questions about the program’s ability to close key additions in a competitive transfer market.
McKnight, a dynamic 6-foot-1 receiver with two years of eligibility remaining, originally entered the portal in late January and quickly became one of the more sought-after playmakers on the market. He initially committed to Texas A\&M in March but later reopened his recruitment, citing the need to “explore all options and ensure the best fit for the next stage of my career.” After a second round of visits and conversations, McKnight again signaled his intent to join the Aggies — only to now walk it back once more.
“I’ve got love for the A\&M staff and fan base, but I need a little more time,” McKnight said via social media on Thursday. “This is a big decision for me and my family, and I want to be 100% certain before locking in.”
The news is a blow for first-year head coach Mike Elko, who has prioritized boosting the team’s offensive production through the portal, especially at wide receiver. McKnight was expected to fill a key role in a reshaped Aggies passing attack, bringing speed, route precision, and experience from the Pac-12. His indecision now leaves Texas A\&M scrambling for alternatives as summer workouts near.
While McKnight hasn’t officially decommitted, sources close to the situation indicate other schools — including Louisville, UCF, and South Carolina — have re-entered the mix. The repeated wavering has also raised concerns among some Texas A\&M supporters, who had been hopeful that the momentum under Elko would carry over into a strong portal haul.
“This one stings because McKnight was supposed to be part of the solution at wide receiver,” one source close to the program said. “Now they’ve got to either win him back or pivot fast.”
Texas A\&M still has time to secure additional talent, but the repeated flip-flop by McKnight serves as a reminder of how volatile the transfer portal landscape can be. In an era where verbal commitments often mean little without a signed letter of intent, the Aggies find themselves in an all-too-familiar wait-and-see scenario.
For now, all eyes are on Jalen McKnight — and whether Texas A\&M can win him back one final time.