Four-star CB recruit becomes 30th Texas A&M player to transfer this offseason

Per SportsGrid's Ben Stevens, Taylor's withdrawal means 30 players have transferred from the program this offseason. In December, two other highly touted 2022 recruits — cornerback Denver Harris and wide receiver Chris Marshall — transferred to SEC West rivals LSU and Ole Miss, respectively.

Data from On3 shows prior to Taylor's departure the Aggies lost 26 three- or four-star recruits this offseason while gaining only four.

And it's not as though an influx of can't-miss prospects are rushing to take their place. After having the top recruiting class of 2022, Texas A&M dipped to 15th for 2023 and currently sits at 16th in the class of 2024.

Having a top class didn't translate to on-field production last offseason — Texas A&M finished 5-7, its worst record since 2003 — so any future predictions about the Aggies based on their recruiting classes should be taken lightly. But it's unmistakable that whatever allure the program had a couple of seasons ago is long gone.

It's Fisher's job now to get it back and with so many defections, he's got his work cut out for him. When he signed his contract extension in 2021 that will pay him $9,150,000 this season — with a $100,000 raise every year through 2031 — director of athletics Ross Bjork said, "Coach Fisher continues to demonstrate he is building our program for long-term success."

Maybe this year, Fisher will earn that paycheck.