Texas A&M is getting a last minute addition to its roster just ahead of the 2026 football season. Boca Raton (Fla.) West Boca three-star cornerback Loia Valade is reclassifying up to the 2026 class and joining the Aggies, who are in the midst of fall camp.
Valade, who is originally from Canada, spent the last several years playing his high school football at Chattanooga (Tenn.) McCallie. He transferred down to West Boca ahead of his senior season and competed in one preseason game, last Friday, before today’s decision.
The 5-foot-11, 180-pound defensive back brings college-ready size and positional versatility to the Aggies’ secondary. He also has experience on offense, seeing time at wide receiver for McCallie.
As a junior, Valade totaled 10 tackles on defense in nine games, per MaxPreps. He added 14 catches for 208 yards and two touchdowns on offense.
Texas A&M’s interest in Valade picked up earlier this year, with the Aggies extending an offer in May. He committed to Texas A&M just over a month later, picking the Aggies over Auburn, Miami and Florida.
The addition continues Texas A&M’s success recruiting Florida, with the Aggies consistently making an effort to target and land top recruits across the Sunshine State.
For Valade, the next step comes sooner than expected. He joins a Texas A&M 2026 recruiting class that features five other defensive backs. Two of those five, five-star Brandon Arrington and four-star Vic Singleton, were listed as cornerbacks as recruits.
Since Valade is joining the roster with just weeks until the season begins, it is likely he will spend this season getting acclimated to college life and SEC competition.
247Sports grades Valade as a ’88’ grade three-star prospect and the No. 60 safety in the 2027 recruiting class.
He will remain a 88 grade after his jump up to the 2026 cycle.
