If you’ve spent any time around College Station lately, you know the vibe has shifted. Gone are the days of the "wait and see" approach. Mike Elko’s first full cycle is officially in the books, and looking at the texas a&m football roster heading into 2026, it’s clear this isn't just a rebuild—it's a complete identity overhaul.
The 2025 season was a massive "proof of concept" moment. The Aggies went 11-1, made a deep College Football Playoff run, and basically proved that the defensive-minded culture Elko brought from Duke actually translates to the SEC. But now, the dust is settling on some major departures. We're talking about losing All-SEC anchors and NFL-bound stars.
So, who is actually left on this roster to keep the momentum going?
📖 Related: Reading F.C. vs Tottenham Matches: What Really Happened in Those Goal-Fests
The Quarterback Room: It’s Marcel Reed’s World Now
Let’s be real—the QB drama usually defines A&M football. But for the first time in forever, there's a weird sense of stability. Marcel Reed isn't just "the guy" anymore; he’s the veteran leader. After a 2025 campaign where he tossed for over 3,000 yards and 25 touchdowns, the redshirt sophomore has the keys to the castle.
The backup situation is actually pretty fascinating too. You've got Brady Hart, the true freshman who came in with a massive arm and a lot of hype. Then there’s Miles O'Neil and the UAB transfer Jacob Zeno, who brings that "old man" energy to a room that’s otherwise very young.
Honestly, the biggest story might be the guys who aren't there. The competition isn't a three-way tie this spring. It's Reed's team to lose, and that kind of clarity is something Aggie fans haven't had in years.
Rebuilding the Trenches: Life After Cashius Howell
If you watched the CFP game against Miami, you saw the end of an era. Cashius Howell and his first-round draft stock are headed to the league. Same goes for Tyler Onyedim, Albert Regis, and Dayon Hayes. That is a lot of production to replace in a single offseason.
✨ Don't miss: Why the 2008 Women’s Gymnastics Videos Still Spark Heated Debates
Elko isn't panicking, though. He's basically lived in the transfer portal this January.
The New Faces in the Dirt
- CJ Mims (North Carolina transfer): A massive human who appeared in 37 games before hitting the portal. He’s the "plug and play" defensive tackle they desperately needed.
- Angelo McCullom (Illinois transfer): Another portal addition meant to shore up the interior.
- Marco Jones: Everyone is calling him the "next big thing" on the edge. As a true freshman, he’s already showing he can live in the backfield.
The offensive line, thankfully, feels much more settled. Trey Zuhn III decided to stick around, which is huge. The guy had a 96.9 pass-blocking grade last year. You don't just find that at the local grocery store. Having him and Chase Bisontis (who is basically a human brick wall at guard) gives Reed the kind of protection most SEC quarterbacks would kill for.
The Skill Positions: Speed, Speed, and More Speed
Losing KC Concepcion to the NFL hurts. There’s no way around it. He was the Swiss Army knife for this offense. But the texas a&m football roster still has some absolute burners.
Mario Craver is the name you need to know. He’s back for 2026 on a new deal, and after a 900-yard season as a freshman, the expectations are through the roof. He’s the guy who put up 200 yards against Notre Dame. He's legit.
To fill the Concepcion-sized hole, Elko went out and grabbed Isaiah Horton from Alabama. Horton led the Tide in touchdowns last year, and at 6'4", he provides a physical mismatch that the Aggies lacked in the red zone.
And let's talk about the backfield. Rueben Owens II is healthy and explosive. Watching him and Le'Veon Moss (now a senior leader) split carries is going to be a nightmare for defensive coordinators. Plus, they’ve got KJ Edwards, a four-star freshman from Carthage who broke basically every record in East Texas. The kid is a bowling ball with track speed.
Why the 2026 Defense Will Look Different
Taurean York is gone. That's the heart and soul of the defense. Replacing a captain like that isn't just about finding someone who can tackle; it’s about finding someone who knows where everyone else is supposed to be.
Noah Mikhail is the name to watch at linebacker. He’s a freshman, but he doesn't play like one. The Aggies also brought in TJ Smith from Houston Christian to add some veteran depth. Is it the same as having York? No. But the secondary looks deeper than it has in a decade.
Will Lee III and Dezz Ricks are lockdown corners. Dalton Brooks is a thumper at safety. The coaching staff seems convinced that even if the pass rush takes a slight step back without Howell, the coverage is going to be tight enough to compensate.
Actionable Insights for the 2026 Season
If you're following this roster, keep an eye on these three specific developments during spring ball:
- The Left Guard Spot: With some reshuffling on the line, watch if Echols (the LSU transfer) locks down the starting spot early.
- The Kicking Game: Randy Bond struggled last year (63.2% is... not great). The addition of Olano from the portal is a direct response to those "lost points" in close games.
- Freshman Edge Impact: If Bryce Perry-Wright or Tristian Givens start taking first-team snaps in April, it means the coaching staff doesn't think the portal additions are enough.
The 2026 version of the Aggies is younger, faster, and much more "Elko-fied." It's a team built on the lines and sustained by explosive playmakers who actually want to be in College Station. For the 12th Man, that's a very dangerous combination.
👉 See also: Who’s Surviving TPC Twin Cities: The 3M Open 2025 Leaderboard Breakdown
Next Steps for Aggie Fans:
- Monitor the Spring Game: Watch the chemistry between Marcel Reed and Isaiah Horton.
- Watch the Interior DL: See if DJ Hicks can become the dominant force he's projected to be without the veteran help from last year.
- Check the Waiver Wire: The post-spring transfer portal window will likely see A&M look for one more veteran edge rusher.