Texas A&M's 2026 roster is set after the spring season, featuring 17 transfers and 25 recruits. Coach Mike Elko faces challenges with key player losses but has promising newcomers following the Maroon & White Game.
Texas A&M's spring season ended after last Saturday's Maroon & White Game, providing third-year head coach Mike Elko with an extended scrimmage to evaluate this offseason, as the summer always goes by faster than expected before the fall practice season rolls around in early August. Officially welcoming 17 transfer additions and 25 of 26 2026 recruiting class signees, the Aggies' 2026 roster is set.
While some will say it's "too early" to project the Aggies chances of making it back to the College Football Playoff for a second straight season, it's clear that the roster has upgraded at several positions, while double-digit losses to the 2026 NFL Draft, including star wide receiver KC Concepcion and four of five starting offensive linemen, have led to plenty of questions.
Coupled with losing unanimous All-American edge Cashius Howell, Mike Elko and his staff have their work cut out for them, but after Saturday's scrimmage, several newcomers stood out. The loss of senior linebacker Daymion Sanford, who sustained a brutal lower-body injury just seconds before halftime, proved to be extremely important as sophomore LB Noah Mikhail's impressive performance proved to be extremely important.
This week, ESPN Texas A&M writer Davie Wilson provided his take on what Texas A&M's predominant "strength" and "weakness" from a position standpoint will be heading into the fall, mirroring my own perspective after rewatching the Maroon & White Game.
Texas A&M's strengths include upgraded positions with new talent, while weaknesses stem from significant player losses to the NFL Draft.
Texas A&M lost star wide receiver KC Concepcion, four starting offensive linemen, and unanimous All-American edge Cashius Howell to the NFL Draft.
Several newcomers stood out during the Maroon & White Game, indicating potential for the upcoming season despite the team's losses.
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Even after losing KC Concepcion, the addition of Alabama transfer WR Isaiah Horton provides much-needed size to an already established room.
"The Aggies lose KC Concepcion, a likely first-round NFL draft pick, but are deeper this year, adding the 6-4 Isaiah Horton from Alabama alongside last year's breakout star Mario Craver. Ashton Bethel-Roman and Terry Bussey are both expected to take big leaps and a freshman class led by Aaron Gregory has impressed in spring."
Going back to Daymion Sanford's injury, Texas A&M's linebacker depth could be an issue if Noah Mikhail, transfer LB Ray Coney, and junior Jordan Lockhart don't develop into a dependable unit, especially against the run. The 2026 Aggie defense could enter the year with a significant gap.
"The Aggies have talent at linebacker, just not much experience. Three-year starter Taurean York is gone, as is Scooby Williams. Daymion Sanford returns, but will have two new starters alongside him, with Ray Coneyarriving from Tulsa, where he had 128 tackles last year, and sophomore Noah Mikhail playing a bigger role."
Texas A&M will kick off the 2026 season against Missouri State in Kyle Field on Saturday, September 5.
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This article originally appeared on Aggies Wire: ESPN analyzes Texas A&M football's 'strength' and 'weakness' in 2026