2027 Recruit Loia Valade Reclassifies, Joins Texas A&M's 2026 Roster During Fall Camp

Texas A&M announced Wednesday that Loia Valade will join the Aggie football program immediately after the Boca Raton, Fla., native reclassified from the 2027 class to the 2026 roster. The move, made public during fall camp, adds a versatile defensive back to an already experienced secondary heading into the Aggies' third season under head coach Mike Elko.

Valade, a 6-foot, 190-pound two-way standout, prepped at McCallie School in Chattanooga, Tenn., where he compiled 31 tackles, 1.0 tackle for loss and two interceptions — one returned for a touchdown — over two seasons on defense. On offense, he recorded 43 receptions for 664 yards and seven touchdowns, while also contributing six kickoff returns for 114 yards on special teams. He helped lead the Tornado to a 21-5 record over those two seasons, including a TSSAA Division II-AAA State Championship in 2024.

A consensus three-star prospect originally from Canada, Valade ranks among the top 55 players in the state of Florida according to Rivals, On3.com and ESPN.com. He is also rated among the top 60 defensive backs nationally by ESPN.com, Rivals, On3.com and 247Sports.com. Texas A&M beat out finalists Auburn, Florida and Miami for his commitment.

Bolstering an Already Deep Secondary

Valade arrives at a program that already boasts one of the more experienced secondaries in the SEC heading into the 2026 campaign. Veterans Marcus Ratcliffe, Dezz Ricks, Jordan Shaw, Julio Humphrey and Dalton Brooks headline a unit that carried much of its production over from last season, and senior Colorado transfer safety Tawfiq Byard adds further depth. Valade is expected to develop behind those veterans under defensive coordinator Lyle Hemphill, with the Aggies scheduled to open the season against Missouri State on Sept. 5.

The reclassification also adds to a growing group of young defensive backs in College Station. Valade will join Brandon Arrington and Vic Singleton on the roster, giving Texas A&M's coaching staff a core of developmental prospects who can learn within Elko's defensive system alongside established starters. The program characterized Valade as another playmaker added to the secondary upon announcing the news Wednesday.