2 months ago
No. 8 Texas A&M (1-0) was slow out of the gate during Saturday night's season opener vs. Missouri State, as the Aggies' revamped offensive line struggled to find consistency, giving up several pressures and two sacks on starting quarterback Marcel Reed, but thanks to adjustments from coach Mike Elko and OL coach Adam Cushing, this group tightened up in the second half.
Leading 19-0 going into halftime, Texas A&M's defense shut down the Bears throughout the night, which continued into the third and fourth quarters, allowing 67 total yards, including a pedestrian 37 rushing yards. With A&M's O-line improvement, the Aggie rushing attack made its late impact, as wide receiver Terry Bussey, RB Jamarion Morrow, and freshman running back Carsyn Baker scored touchdowns.
Marcel Reed completed 21/30 for 233 yards and 2 touchdowns, completing impressive pass after impressive pass despite early pressure in his face, while transfer wide receiver Isaiah Horton made his impact known, leading the game with 76 receiving yards and his first touchdown as an Aggie.
Before hosting Arizona State on Saturday, here are the latest Pro Football Focus grades on offense and defense after Texas A&M's 50-0 win over Missouri State in Week 1.
QB Marcel Reed — 80.6 offense, 78.6 passing, 66.8 running
#yards #leading #line
Leading 19-0 going into halftime, Texas A&M's defense shut down the Bears throughout the night, which continued into the third and fourth quarters, allowing 67 total yards, including a pedestrian 37 rushing yards. With A&M's O-line improvement, the Aggie rushing attack made its late impact, as wide receiver Terry Bussey, RB Jamarion Morrow, and freshman running back Carsyn Baker scored touchdowns.
Marcel Reed completed 21/30 for 233 yards and 2 touchdowns, completing impressive pass after impressive pass despite early pressure in his face, while transfer wide receiver Isaiah Horton made his impact known, leading the game with 76 receiving yards and his first touchdown as an Aggie.
Before hosting Arizona State on Saturday, here are the latest Pro Football Focus grades on offense and defense after Texas A&M's 50-0 win over Missouri State in Week 1.
QB Marcel Reed — 80.6 offense, 78.6 passing, 66.8 running
#yards #leading #line
2 months ago
Texas A&M's 2026 season opener vs. Missouri State is just eight days away, as the Aggies will begin in-season practice on Friday, completely focused on the task ahead after 16 preseason practices over the past three weeks. Overall, every position group had their moments, while redshirt junior quarterback Marcel Reed has improved every facet of his game, especially his accuracy, touch, and pocket presence.
Aided by one of the deepest wide receiver rotations in the country, now including Alabama transfer Isaiah Horton, Reed's improvement is based on eye witness accounts from every local beat writer and Texas A&M media member, while an anonymous source, who spoke with On3 insider Pete Nakos, confirmed that Reed has indeed taken the next step in his development, echoing coach Mike Elko's statement earlier this month.
You don't have to take it from me, but thanks to the Texas A&M media team for releasing several videos that featured Marcel Reed connecting with Isaiah Horton and star junior Mario Craver for 50-plus-yard passes with pinpoint accuracy, showcasing his poise in the pocket and improved footwork, which, if the revamped offensive line holds up, the sky is the limit for Texas A&M's passing game.
"Marcel is more accurate, has more of a presence and has another year of playing football for Mike Elko," a source stated to On3.
Texas A&M's loaded wide receiver corps also features former five-star prospect Terry Bussey, who Aggie fans have been waiting for to break out after two seasons, and through nearly every preseason practice, the 2026 season could be the year Bussey finally reaches his potential, with the same source agreeing.
#texas #reed #isaiah #bussey
Aided by one of the deepest wide receiver rotations in the country, now including Alabama transfer Isaiah Horton, Reed's improvement is based on eye witness accounts from every local beat writer and Texas A&M media member, while an anonymous source, who spoke with On3 insider Pete Nakos, confirmed that Reed has indeed taken the next step in his development, echoing coach Mike Elko's statement earlier this month.
You don't have to take it from me, but thanks to the Texas A&M media team for releasing several videos that featured Marcel Reed connecting with Isaiah Horton and star junior Mario Craver for 50-plus-yard passes with pinpoint accuracy, showcasing his poise in the pocket and improved footwork, which, if the revamped offensive line holds up, the sky is the limit for Texas A&M's passing game.
"Marcel is more accurate, has more of a presence and has another year of playing football for Mike Elko," a source stated to On3.
Texas A&M's loaded wide receiver corps also features former five-star prospect Terry Bussey, who Aggie fans have been waiting for to break out after two seasons, and through nearly every preseason practice, the 2026 season could be the year Bussey finally reaches his potential, with the same source agreeing.
#texas #reed #isaiah #bussey
3 months ago
Through a dozen preseason practices, Texas A&M's loaded wide receiver rotation is one of the team's biggest strengths heading into the 2026 season, even after losing KC Concepcion to the NFL, who led the Aggies with 919 receiving yards and 9 touchdowns last season. Now led by star junior Mario Craver, fellow junior and former five-star prospect Terry Bussey has shined during fall camp and could be headed toward a career year.
After the Aggies' closed practice on Friday, Bussey, for the first time during fall camp, spoke to the local media in attendance, discussing his weight gain, adding a solid 10 pounds, mostly muscle, to his frame, which was necessary given his injury history that kept in him behind the 8 ball after suffering an ankle injury this spring, and was beat up for most of the 2025 season.
Bussey's play during several preseason practices has provided Aggie fans and those of us in the media with a highlight reel of one-handed catches, while his route running has been crisp and equally impressive, and coach Mike Elko and first-year OC Holmon Wiggins, who served as A&M's wide receivers coach over the past two seasons, have consistently praised Bussey's football IQ.
Bussey's elite versatility provided Mike Elko the option for him to play at corner or wide receiver, and given the former blue-chip prospect's size and natural playmaking ability, playing receiver was the best route. Right now, Bussey is contending for the starting Z receiver job with redshirt sophomore Ashton Bethel-Roman, but is expected to be a significant part of each offensive game plan no matter his starting or reserve status.
Bussey spoke for nearly eight minutes, looking more confident than ever, while praising several of his wide receiver cohorts who continue to build chemistry with quarterback Marcel Reed, who is entering his second full starting season.
#receiver
After the Aggies' closed practice on Friday, Bussey, for the first time during fall camp, spoke to the local media in attendance, discussing his weight gain, adding a solid 10 pounds, mostly muscle, to his frame, which was necessary given his injury history that kept in him behind the 8 ball after suffering an ankle injury this spring, and was beat up for most of the 2025 season.
Bussey's play during several preseason practices has provided Aggie fans and those of us in the media with a highlight reel of one-handed catches, while his route running has been crisp and equally impressive, and coach Mike Elko and first-year OC Holmon Wiggins, who served as A&M's wide receivers coach over the past two seasons, have consistently praised Bussey's football IQ.
Bussey's elite versatility provided Mike Elko the option for him to play at corner or wide receiver, and given the former blue-chip prospect's size and natural playmaking ability, playing receiver was the best route. Right now, Bussey is contending for the starting Z receiver job with redshirt sophomore Ashton Bethel-Roman, but is expected to be a significant part of each offensive game plan no matter his starting or reserve status.
Bussey spoke for nearly eight minutes, looking more confident than ever, while praising several of his wide receiver cohorts who continue to build chemistry with quarterback Marcel Reed, who is entering his second full starting season.
#receiver
3 months ago
Through 11 preseason practices, it's safe to say that Texas A&M's chances of making it back to the College Football Playoff for a second consecutive season will hinge on redshirt junior quarterback Marcel Reed taking the vaunted "next step" after throwing for a career-high 3,169 yards, 25 touchdowns, and 12 interceptions during his first full starting season.
Before a record 10 players were selected in the 2026 NFL Draft, third-year coach Mike Elko made several staff changes, led by the promotion of WR coach Holmon Wiggins to offensive coordinator and key ***** istant Lyle Hemphill replacing Jay Bateman as A&M's new defensive coordinator.
After losing 15 starters and 20-plus players overall, Elko landed 17 transfer portal commitments, combined with the 2026 signing class, all while retaining 65% of the 2025 roster. Among the newcomers, former Northwestern Edge Anto Saka, Colorado transfer DB Tawfiq Byard, and former Tennessee cornerback Rickey Gibson are all expected to make an immediate impact.
Junior wide receiver Mario Craver, senior defensive tackle DJ Hicks, senior center Mark Nabou, and junior wide receiver Terry Bussey were the only Aggies selected to the 2026 Preseason Coaches All-SEC Football Teams. Craver, who reeled in a career-high 59 receptions for 917 yards and 4 touchdowns, is the lone first-team selection at wide receiver and all-purpose player.
Mario Craver — First Team WR, AP
#receiver
Before a record 10 players were selected in the 2026 NFL Draft, third-year coach Mike Elko made several staff changes, led by the promotion of WR coach Holmon Wiggins to offensive coordinator and key ***** istant Lyle Hemphill replacing Jay Bateman as A&M's new defensive coordinator.
After losing 15 starters and 20-plus players overall, Elko landed 17 transfer portal commitments, combined with the 2026 signing class, all while retaining 65% of the 2025 roster. Among the newcomers, former Northwestern Edge Anto Saka, Colorado transfer DB Tawfiq Byard, and former Tennessee cornerback Rickey Gibson are all expected to make an immediate impact.
Junior wide receiver Mario Craver, senior defensive tackle DJ Hicks, senior center Mark Nabou, and junior wide receiver Terry Bussey were the only Aggies selected to the 2026 Preseason Coaches All-SEC Football Teams. Craver, who reeled in a career-high 59 receptions for 917 yards and 4 touchdowns, is the lone first-team selection at wide receiver and all-purpose player.
Mario Craver — First Team WR, AP
#receiver
3 months ago
Texas A&M's 2026 season-opener vs. Missouri State is less than three weeks away, and entering his third sesaon at the helm, coach Mike Elko should be encouraged by what he's witnessed from the redshirt junior quarterback Marcel Reed, who has improved accuracy, especially on the deep ball, which was on full display during Saturday's scrimmage after hitting Alabama transfer wideout Isaiah Horton in stride on a 30-plus yard throw.
The only thing preventing Marcel Reed, in my opinion, from matching his 2025 production is whether the revamped offensive line, featuring four new starters, gels early in the year. This group will feature returning starting center Mark Nabou, four new SEC transfers, and several rising offensive linemen from the 2025 signing class.
Again, if this group at least becomes an above-average pass-blocking unit, Marcel Reed will be passing to what is nationally considered one of the deepest wide receiver rotations in the country, now including Alabama transfer Isaiah Horton, who brings much-needed size at 6'4", while Mario Craver, Ashton Bethel-Roman, Terry Bussey, and freshman Aaron Gregory fill out the rotation.
Last season, Reed passed for a career-high 3,169 yards and 25 touchdowns, while 8 of his 12 interceptions came against top-35-ranked defenses, which has been the focus this offseason, working with new OC Holmon Wiggins and QB coach Joey Lynch. Entering the 2026 season with a solid 77.9 QBR, On3 ranks Reed 9th nationally.
"Reed was tremendous in leading Texas A&M to an 11-0 start last season. Then, he was fairly pedestrian — and that might be generous — in the team's two losses to Texas and Miami to close out the 2025 campaign. Decision-making in big moments is the real key for Reed. He needs to avoid costly turnovers in big games. But in terms of raw skill, he's got as much as anyone in the country. And he's probably aptly motivated after the way 2025 ended."
#entering
The only thing preventing Marcel Reed, in my opinion, from matching his 2025 production is whether the revamped offensive line, featuring four new starters, gels early in the year. This group will feature returning starting center Mark Nabou, four new SEC transfers, and several rising offensive linemen from the 2025 signing class.
Again, if this group at least becomes an above-average pass-blocking unit, Marcel Reed will be passing to what is nationally considered one of the deepest wide receiver rotations in the country, now including Alabama transfer Isaiah Horton, who brings much-needed size at 6'4", while Mario Craver, Ashton Bethel-Roman, Terry Bussey, and freshman Aaron Gregory fill out the rotation.
Last season, Reed passed for a career-high 3,169 yards and 25 touchdowns, while 8 of his 12 interceptions came against top-35-ranked defenses, which has been the focus this offseason, working with new OC Holmon Wiggins and QB coach Joey Lynch. Entering the 2026 season with a solid 77.9 QBR, On3 ranks Reed 9th nationally.
"Reed was tremendous in leading Texas A&M to an 11-0 start last season. Then, he was fairly pedestrian — and that might be generous — in the team's two losses to Texas and Miami to close out the 2025 campaign. Decision-making in big moments is the real key for Reed. He needs to avoid costly turnovers in big games. But in terms of raw skill, he's got as much as anyone in the country. And he's probably aptly motivated after the way 2025 ended."
#entering
3 months ago
Texas A&M's ninth preseason practice may not have been open to the media, but thanks to the Aggie media team, one of redshirt junior quarterback Marcel Reed's best throws of the day was captured, providing media members and Aggie fans alike another glimpse into Reed's improvement as a pocket passer, delivering strike after strike since fall camp began.
The Aggies' offensive line will replace four starters at left tackle, left guard, right guard, and right tackle. Third-year coach Mike Elko landed four SEC starters from the transfer portal, who are all expected to start at this point in the preseason, but nothing is set in stone. If this group comes through, Reed is expected to, yes, take the next step, especially with the addition of Alabama transfer wide receiver Isaiah Horton.
Standing 6'4" and 215 pounds, Horton's size and ability to stretch the field and make contested catches fill the hole that plagued the Aggies last season, despite transfer wide receivers KC Concepcion and Mario Craver's elite speed, which led to a combined total of nearly 1,900 yards and 13 touchdowns.
While Concepcion is already the Cleveland Browns' No. 1 wide receiver after being selected 24th overall in the 2026 NFL Draft, Mario Craver is back for a final season and, paired with Ashton Bethel-Roman and Terry Bussey, who have also shined, especially Bussey, this preseason, Marcel Reed and Isaiah Horton's connection was on full display during Saturday's first scrimmage.
In tight coverage against freshman cornerback Victor Singleton, Horton made a contested catch off a perfectly thrown ball from Marcel Reed, an area the veteran QB struggled last season. With the 2026 season-opener just three weeks away, this connection could take the Aggie passing game to the next level under first-year OC Holmon Wiggins.
#preseason #aggies
The Aggies' offensive line will replace four starters at left tackle, left guard, right guard, and right tackle. Third-year coach Mike Elko landed four SEC starters from the transfer portal, who are all expected to start at this point in the preseason, but nothing is set in stone. If this group comes through, Reed is expected to, yes, take the next step, especially with the addition of Alabama transfer wide receiver Isaiah Horton.
Standing 6'4" and 215 pounds, Horton's size and ability to stretch the field and make contested catches fill the hole that plagued the Aggies last season, despite transfer wide receivers KC Concepcion and Mario Craver's elite speed, which led to a combined total of nearly 1,900 yards and 13 touchdowns.
While Concepcion is already the Cleveland Browns' No. 1 wide receiver after being selected 24th overall in the 2026 NFL Draft, Mario Craver is back for a final season and, paired with Ashton Bethel-Roman and Terry Bussey, who have also shined, especially Bussey, this preseason, Marcel Reed and Isaiah Horton's connection was on full display during Saturday's first scrimmage.
In tight coverage against freshman cornerback Victor Singleton, Horton made a contested catch off a perfectly thrown ball from Marcel Reed, an area the veteran QB struggled last season. With the 2026 season-opener just three weeks away, this connection could take the Aggie passing game to the next level under first-year OC Holmon Wiggins.
#preseason #aggies
3 months ago
Kickoff against Missouri State on Saturday, Sept. 5, is inching closer, marking the debut of Texas A&M's new offensive and defensive coordinators.
After spending the last two seasons in Bryan-College Station as the co-offensive coordinator and wide receivers coach, Holmon Wiggins is preparing for his first campaign as the primary play-caller, entering his 23rd year coaching football. The Los Angeles, California, native was named the replacement for Colin Klein, who accepted the head coaching opening at his alma mater, Kansas State.
The return of quarterback Marcel Reed and a slew of playmakers like Mario Craver, Terry Bussey, Ashton Bethel-Roman and Alabama transfer Isaiah Horton provides Wiggins with one of the most talented groups in the Southeastern Conference.
On the other side of the ball, Lyle Hemphill is set for his first year as defensive coordinator, after being in the same role at James Madison in 2024. Last season, he served as the **** ociate head coach for the defense, but was promoted after Jay Bateman left to be Kentucky's defensive coordinator.
While Mike Elko is the primary defensive mastermind of the Aggies, Hemphill has been coaching for 24 years and has spent eight total seasons as the primary defensive coordinator with the Dukes, Wake Forest and Stony Brook.
#primary #offensive
After spending the last two seasons in Bryan-College Station as the co-offensive coordinator and wide receivers coach, Holmon Wiggins is preparing for his first campaign as the primary play-caller, entering his 23rd year coaching football. The Los Angeles, California, native was named the replacement for Colin Klein, who accepted the head coaching opening at his alma mater, Kansas State.
The return of quarterback Marcel Reed and a slew of playmakers like Mario Craver, Terry Bussey, Ashton Bethel-Roman and Alabama transfer Isaiah Horton provides Wiggins with one of the most talented groups in the Southeastern Conference.
On the other side of the ball, Lyle Hemphill is set for his first year as defensive coordinator, after being in the same role at James Madison in 2024. Last season, he served as the **** ociate head coach for the defense, but was promoted after Jay Bateman left to be Kentucky's defensive coordinator.
While Mike Elko is the primary defensive mastermind of the Aggies, Hemphill has been coaching for 24 years and has spent eight total seasons as the primary defensive coordinator with the Dukes, Wake Forest and Stony Brook.
#primary #offensive
3 months ago
Texas A&M's third preseason practice, and first full practice open to the media, on Saturday showcased the rise of junior wide receiver Terry Bussey and provided more proof that redshirt junior quarterback Marcel Reed, entering his second full starting season, has significantly improved his accuracy and ball placement.
Among the Aggies' 17 transfer portal additions this offseason, former Northwestern Edge Anto Saka and Tennessee transfer cornerback Rickey Gibson III continue to shine in their roles, looking to replace unanimous All-American pass rusher Cashius Howell and veteran corner Will Lee, who were two of A&M's record 10 players selected in the 2026 NFL Draft.
On Monday, Texas A&M's fifth preseason practice further emphasized the offense, as Marcel Reed and his elite wide receiver rotation, now including Alabama transfer Isaiah Horton, continued to build chemistry, which is already established with Mario Craver and Ashton Bethel-Roman, while freshmen Aaron Gregory and Madden Williams would likely start for several SEC teams who don't possess the Aggies' depth.
Texas A&M's running battle between Rueben Owens and Jamarion Morrow continues to take shape, and after an impressive performance this weekend, freshman KJ Edwards' athleticism continues to impress coach Mike Elko and his staff. Redshirt freshman back Tiger Riden showed off his blocking skills on Monday, and senior linebacker Daymion Sanford's return is nothing short of incredible given the severity of his fibula injury.
Here are the best highlights from Texas A&M's fifth preseason practice on Monday evening.
#full
Among the Aggies' 17 transfer portal additions this offseason, former Northwestern Edge Anto Saka and Tennessee transfer cornerback Rickey Gibson III continue to shine in their roles, looking to replace unanimous All-American pass rusher Cashius Howell and veteran corner Will Lee, who were two of A&M's record 10 players selected in the 2026 NFL Draft.
On Monday, Texas A&M's fifth preseason practice further emphasized the offense, as Marcel Reed and his elite wide receiver rotation, now including Alabama transfer Isaiah Horton, continued to build chemistry, which is already established with Mario Craver and Ashton Bethel-Roman, while freshmen Aaron Gregory and Madden Williams would likely start for several SEC teams who don't possess the Aggies' depth.
Texas A&M's running battle between Rueben Owens and Jamarion Morrow continues to take shape, and after an impressive performance this weekend, freshman KJ Edwards' athleticism continues to impress coach Mike Elko and his staff. Redshirt freshman back Tiger Riden showed off his blocking skills on Monday, and senior linebacker Daymion Sanford's return is nothing short of incredible given the severity of his fibula injury.
Here are the best highlights from Texas A&M's fifth preseason practice on Monday evening.
#full
3 months ago
Texas A&M's 2026 season opener vs. Missouri State is just over three weeks away, while the Aggies have already completed two preseason practices since Wednesday evening. Overall, the takeaways have been varied, ranging from starting quarterback Marcel Reed's increased accuracy and confidence as a passer to junior wide receiver Terry Bussey, who bulked up this summer and improved as a route runner.
Sticking with Texas A&M's borderline elite wide receiver corps, former Alabama wideout Isaiah Horton brings much-needed size to a rotation built on NFL-level talent, led by Mario Cravers' elite twitch and quickness, paired with Ashton Bethel-Roman and Terry Bussey's track speed. After transferring from Mississippi State before the 2025 season, Craver reeled in 59 receptions for 917 yards and 4 touchdowns, developing immediate chemistry with Marcel Reed.
Reed and Isaiah Horton go back to their high school playing days in Tennessee, and while they have yet to play together at the college level, it's clear that after two practices, both players are on the same page. Horton's catch radius was on full display during Thursday's practice, captured by Texas A&M's media team after the senior wideout snagged Reed's well-thrown pass.
Horton is in line to earn the starting X receiver job, and, on paper, will open up the passing game for Reed, allowing Mario Craver to roam the middle of the field and allowing the redshirt junior to take more 50/50 shots downfield, which was not the case last season given the lack of size on the outside.
Losing star WR KC Concepcion, who led the Aggies in receiving yards and touchdowns last season, likely won't have a massive impact on new OC Holmon Wiggins' ability to push the ball down the field on early downs given his background as one of the top wide receivers coaches.
#season #wide #receiver #marcel
Sticking with Texas A&M's borderline elite wide receiver corps, former Alabama wideout Isaiah Horton brings much-needed size to a rotation built on NFL-level talent, led by Mario Cravers' elite twitch and quickness, paired with Ashton Bethel-Roman and Terry Bussey's track speed. After transferring from Mississippi State before the 2025 season, Craver reeled in 59 receptions for 917 yards and 4 touchdowns, developing immediate chemistry with Marcel Reed.
Reed and Isaiah Horton go back to their high school playing days in Tennessee, and while they have yet to play together at the college level, it's clear that after two practices, both players are on the same page. Horton's catch radius was on full display during Thursday's practice, captured by Texas A&M's media team after the senior wideout snagged Reed's well-thrown pass.
Horton is in line to earn the starting X receiver job, and, on paper, will open up the passing game for Reed, allowing Mario Craver to roam the middle of the field and allowing the redshirt junior to take more 50/50 shots downfield, which was not the case last season given the lack of size on the outside.
Losing star WR KC Concepcion, who led the Aggies in receiving yards and touchdowns last season, likely won't have a massive impact on new OC Holmon Wiggins' ability to push the ball down the field on early downs given his background as one of the top wide receivers coaches.
#season #wide #receiver #marcel
3 months ago
Texas A&M's first preseason practice ahead of the 2026 season opener vs. Missouri State on Saturday, Sept. 5, took place on Wednesday evening, and similar to this time last year, quarterback Marcel Reed, entering his second full starting season, continued to receive substantial attention given the redshirt junior's need to take the proverbial "next step" as a pocket passer.
With 65% of the 2025 roster returning after the Aggies' first trip to the College Football Playoff last season, third-year coach added 17 players from the transfer portal, combined with all but one player from the 2026 signing class making their way to campus back in January. Several newcomers continued to look the part on Wednesday, while A&M's elite wide receiver rotation unsurprisingly flashed, especially junior Terry Bussey.
After landing Alabama transfer WR Isaiah Horton, who stands 6'4"and now weighs 215 pounds, the Aggies' receiver rotation, led by Mario Craver, is now built on speed, size, and physicality after nearly every wideout added weight this offseason, with Terry Bussey now weighing 205 pounds.
Texas A&M's starting running back job is still up for grabs, and redshirt junior Rueben Owens, who also gained weight this summer, will directly compete with rising sophomore Jamarion Morrow, who impressed the staff this spring and looks like the best one-cut running back on the roster.
Thanks to several beat writers in attendance, including Tony Catalina, Carter Karels, and Travis Brown, here are the top highlights from Texas A&M's first preseason practice.
#back #aggies
With 65% of the 2025 roster returning after the Aggies' first trip to the College Football Playoff last season, third-year coach added 17 players from the transfer portal, combined with all but one player from the 2026 signing class making their way to campus back in January. Several newcomers continued to look the part on Wednesday, while A&M's elite wide receiver rotation unsurprisingly flashed, especially junior Terry Bussey.
After landing Alabama transfer WR Isaiah Horton, who stands 6'4"and now weighs 215 pounds, the Aggies' receiver rotation, led by Mario Craver, is now built on speed, size, and physicality after nearly every wideout added weight this offseason, with Terry Bussey now weighing 205 pounds.
Texas A&M's starting running back job is still up for grabs, and redshirt junior Rueben Owens, who also gained weight this summer, will directly compete with rising sophomore Jamarion Morrow, who impressed the staff this spring and looks like the best one-cut running back on the roster.
Thanks to several beat writers in attendance, including Tony Catalina, Carter Karels, and Travis Brown, here are the top highlights from Texas A&M's first preseason practice.
#back #aggies
3 months ago
Texas A&M's 2026 wide receiver rotation will be led by junior Mario Craver, who, after transferring from Mississippi State before the 2025 season, reeled in a career-high 59 receptions for 917 yards and 4 touchdowns and is widely considered one of the most dangerous players after the catch, averaging nearly 9 yards after contact.
Combined with redshirt sophomore Ashton Bethel-Roman, who recorded 28 receptions, 547 yards and 5 touchdowns during his first starting season, and junior Terry Bussey, who has yet to live up to his elite potential, experience will not be an issue, while the offseason addition of Alabama transfer WR Isaiah Horton, who brings much-needed size to the rotation at 6'4" completes one of the more dangerous receiver room in the nation.
Redshirt freshman and former five-star wideout Jerome Myles, and freshman Aaron Gregory, who stood out this spring as one of several first-year players who could see early playing time, provide redshirt junior quarterback Marcel Reed with the size, speed, and versatility to keep Craver, Bethel-Roman, Bussey, and Horton healthy and avoid overusage later in the year.
Among returning wide receivers in the SEC, Isaiah Horton's 8 touchdowns last season with the Crimson Tide lead the conference, along with Ashton Bethel-Roman (5) and Mario Craver (4), making Texas A&M the only SEC program with three receivers on the list of most touchdown receptions.
Marcel Reed's focus this offseason has been improving his accuracy, touch, and decision-making in the pocket, especially eliminating "mental mistakes" that led to throwing four interceptions in losses to Texas and Miami in the first round of the College Football Playoff last season. If Reed fails to reach his ceiling, no one can blame this wide receiver rotation; that's for sure.
#rotation
Combined with redshirt sophomore Ashton Bethel-Roman, who recorded 28 receptions, 547 yards and 5 touchdowns during his first starting season, and junior Terry Bussey, who has yet to live up to his elite potential, experience will not be an issue, while the offseason addition of Alabama transfer WR Isaiah Horton, who brings much-needed size to the rotation at 6'4" completes one of the more dangerous receiver room in the nation.
Redshirt freshman and former five-star wideout Jerome Myles, and freshman Aaron Gregory, who stood out this spring as one of several first-year players who could see early playing time, provide redshirt junior quarterback Marcel Reed with the size, speed, and versatility to keep Craver, Bethel-Roman, Bussey, and Horton healthy and avoid overusage later in the year.
Among returning wide receivers in the SEC, Isaiah Horton's 8 touchdowns last season with the Crimson Tide lead the conference, along with Ashton Bethel-Roman (5) and Mario Craver (4), making Texas A&M the only SEC program with three receivers on the list of most touchdown receptions.
Marcel Reed's focus this offseason has been improving his accuracy, touch, and decision-making in the pocket, especially eliminating "mental mistakes" that led to throwing four interceptions in losses to Texas and Miami in the first round of the College Football Playoff last season. If Reed fails to reach his ceiling, no one can blame this wide receiver rotation; that's for sure.
#rotation
4 months ago
If Texas A&M has any chance at making it back to the College Football Playoff for the second straight season, redshirt junior quarterback Marcel Reed must improve in several areas, including eliminating the mental mistakes that heavily contributed to the Aggies' back-to-back losses to Texas and Miami in the first round of the College Football Playoff.
This offseason, Reed quickly went to work on his own, spending several weeks at the D1 Training facility in Nashville, Tennessee, his hometown, adding more muscle to his frame, while sitting down for a long-form interview that has since been cut up for your viewing pleasure.
Tuesday's release centered around Reed's goals for the 2026 season, which, heading into his third year and second full starting campaign, the NFL remains in his sights, and naming all the wide receivers he'll be throwing to this fall, now including Alabama transfer Isaiah Horton, who joins Mario Craver, Ashton Bethel-Roman, Terry Bussey, and, likely to crack the lineup, standout freshman Aaron Gregory, Texas A&M's offense is in good hands.
Last season, which Reed acknowledged, his personal stats skyrocketed, completing 62% of his passes for 3,169 yards and 25 touchdowns, while his 12 interceptions were the main issue, tied for second in the SEC, with four of his interceptions coming against Texas and Miami.
Eliminating turnovers is one thing, but consistency, especially completing a high percentage of his passes from start to finish, and making good decisions while avoiding passing attempts in double coverage, and taking the easy throw to move the chains, should result in late-season success and a shot at being selected in the 2027 or 2028 NFL Draft.
This offseason, Reed quickly went to work on his own, spending several weeks at the D1 Training facility in Nashville, Tennessee, his hometown, adding more muscle to his frame, while sitting down for a long-form interview that has since been cut up for your viewing pleasure.
Tuesday's release centered around Reed's goals for the 2026 season, which, heading into his third year and second full starting campaign, the NFL remains in his sights, and naming all the wide receivers he'll be throwing to this fall, now including Alabama transfer Isaiah Horton, who joins Mario Craver, Ashton Bethel-Roman, Terry Bussey, and, likely to crack the lineup, standout freshman Aaron Gregory, Texas A&M's offense is in good hands.
Last season, which Reed acknowledged, his personal stats skyrocketed, completing 62% of his passes for 3,169 yards and 25 touchdowns, while his 12 interceptions were the main issue, tied for second in the SEC, with four of his interceptions coming against Texas and Miami.
Eliminating turnovers is one thing, but consistency, especially completing a high percentage of his passes from start to finish, and making good decisions while avoiding passing attempts in double coverage, and taking the easy throw to move the chains, should result in late-season success and a shot at being selected in the 2027 or 2028 NFL Draft.
4 months ago
After two days, 20 rounds, and more than 600 names announced (some even with correct **** unciations!), the 2026 MLB Draft has come to a close. It was a very fun one for the Giants … after a few years of losing picks due to the Qualifying Offer, the Giants had their full slate this time around … and then added an extra pick in the top 30 when they traded Patrick Bailey, all while getting lucky in the lottery and landing the No. 4 overall pick.
What follows is a breakdown of the final 10 selections that the Giants made on draft day.
If you want to read about the earlier picks, here are the links:
No. 4 Jackson Flora (RHP)
No. 29 Carson Bolemon (LHP)
No. 55 Kaden Waechter (RHP)
No. 90 Peyton Bonds (OF)
No. 118 Carlos Martinez (RHP)
Rounds 5-10
The Giants kicked off the second half of the draft with a player who posted comical numbers this year: first baseman Charlie Bussey III, a right-handed hitter out of Francis Marion, taken with the No. 328 pick. Obviously players are drafted first and foremost based on scouting their live mechanics, which is good because it's hard to know how much stock to put into smaller school stats. Bussey is Example A: in the Division II Conference Carolinas, playing against competition such as Ferrum College and Shorter University, Bussey hit a truly laughable .489/.604/.866 with 21 home runs and 40 stolen bases in 60 games, while walking well over twice as frequently as he struck out.
What follows is a breakdown of the final 10 selections that the Giants made on draft day.
If you want to read about the earlier picks, here are the links:
No. 4 Jackson Flora (RHP)
No. 29 Carson Bolemon (LHP)
No. 55 Kaden Waechter (RHP)
No. 90 Peyton Bonds (OF)
No. 118 Carlos Martinez (RHP)
Rounds 5-10
The Giants kicked off the second half of the draft with a player who posted comical numbers this year: first baseman Charlie Bussey III, a right-handed hitter out of Francis Marion, taken with the No. 328 pick. Obviously players are drafted first and foremost based on scouting their live mechanics, which is good because it's hard to know how much stock to put into smaller school stats. Bussey is Example A: in the Division II Conference Carolinas, playing against competition such as Ferrum College and Shorter University, Bussey hit a truly laughable .489/.604/.866 with 21 home runs and 40 stolen bases in 60 games, while walking well over twice as frequently as he struck out.
