Texas A&M's 2026 offseason is coming to an end after coach Mike Elko, quarterback Marcel Reed, linebacker Daymion Sanford, and safety Marcus Ratcliffe spoke to the local and national media during SEC Media Days last week, providing an extensive preview of the 2026 season, while all three players provided important updates regarding their personal progress, especially Daymion Sanford's injury status.
It's been a relatively quiet offseason for the Aggies, even though Marcel Reed has made the media rounds with several outlets, including On3, while Mike Elko has made several stops at the various A&M clubs in Texas. After making the College Football Playoff for the first time in program history, Elko saw a record 10 players selected in the 2026 NFL Draft, including transfer WR KC Concepcion going 24th overall to the Cleveland Browns.
Elko's preseason premonition that "10 to 12" players would be selected in the draft led to the third-year coach landing 17 players from the transfer portal, combined with 65% of the 2025 roster returning and the 2026 signing class, which, on paper, should result in the Aggies once again contending for a CFP berth.
Texas A&M's fall camp will officially begin on Tuesday, August 4, with the first practice slated for the following Wednesday. AggieYell insider Carter Karels was the first to report that Mike Elko will speak to the media three times next month, while first-year OC Holmon Wiggins and DC Lyle Hemphill will be available two times to take questions from the local media.
Karels also revealed that there will be three open practices, strictly for media members, along with "early viewing windows" similar to last preseason during the first part of practice. Mike Elko's first press conference will be next Tuesday afternoon.

#texas #three #daymion

Texas A&M's 2026 schedule, per ESPN's latest FPI rankings, is the 9th-toughest in the SEC, while Arkansas (1), Oklahoma (2), and the Texas Longhorns (3) round out the top 3. Last season, the Aggies finished 11-2 with just one regular-season loss to the Longhorns at the end of the year, but earned impressive road wins over Notre Dame, LSU, and Missouri en route to the Aggies' first College Football Playoff berth.
Texas A&M will host Missouri State and Arizona State before Kentucky comes to College Station, followed by an early road trip to Baton Rouge against LSU and new head coach Lane Kiffin. For the Aggies to have any shot at making it back to the CFP, staying undefeated, or dropping just one game before taking on Alabama in Tuscaloosa on October 24 is absolutely critical.
After a record 10 players were selected in the 2026 NFL Draft, third-year coach Mike Elko returns 65% of his 2025 roster, combined with 17 players from the transfer portal and the 2026 signing class. Led by redshirt junior quarterback Marcel Reed, the Aggies will have a shot to match last season's record, but the second half of the schedule will all but determine A&M's postseason hopes.
Facing LSU, Missouri, Alabama, South Carolina, and Oklahoma on the road, coupled with hosting Texas in the annual Lone Star Showdown. We ranked each matchup from easiest to toughest for the 2026 season.
Citadel finished 4-8 last season, but the Bulldogs were competitive in all but three of their eight losses and likely won't present a challenge for Texas A&M a week after the Aggies face Missouri on the road. This should be a blowout, on paper, at least.

#missouri #last

As we gear up for the 2026 football season, Aggies Wire is breaking down nearly every player on the Texas A&M roster. Throughout the preseason, each profile will highlight a player's background, recruiting rankings out of high school, and projected role under head coach Mike Elko.
On the defensive line, there's a clear opportunity for someone to emerge as the next All‑SEC edge rusher and one sophomore is positioning himself to seize it. Marco Jones flashed repeatedly as a true freshman, and he did so while still splitting time as a dual‑sport athlete in baseball. Now fully committed to football, his ceiling is difficult to pin down, but the trajectory is unmistakably upward.
Jones already brings prototypical SEC size to the position at 6‑foot‑5 and 260 pounds. After a full offseason under strength coach Tommy Moffitt, we'll get a true sense of where his power and explosiveness stand once conference play begins. In a rotational role last season, Jones appeared in all 13 games and posted 21 tackles, 3.5 tackles for loss, and 2.5 sacks. Strong production considering his limited opportunities.
With a full-time focus on football and a frame built for SEC edge play, Jones is one of the most intriguing breakout candidates on the roster heading into 2026.
Hometown: Dublin, California

#season #roster #coach

Texas A&M coach Mike Elko and his staff are close to wrapping up the No. 1-ranked 2027 recruiting class, and as soon as the 2026 season kicks off against Missouri State on Saturday, Sept. 5, the 2028 recruiting class will become the focus, but won't include five-star cornerback A'mir Sears, who reclassified to the 2027 cycle and will announce his commitment on Friday.
Last week, it was revealed that two Aggie legacies in the 2028 class received predictions to land with Texas A&M, as four-star running back Ian Thomas and four-star wide receiver and track star Dillon Mitchell descend from two former A&M starters in the 1990s.
On Wednesday, On3 insider Sam Speigelman released his latest set of predictions for 19 prospects in the 2028 class, with Dillon Mitchell receiving a 75% confidence level from Speigelman to commit to the Aggies. Even more impressive, Texas A&M is listed as the "biggest threat" to secure commitments from four-star OT Jai'storm Knight, four-star athlete CJ Whaley, four-star DL Logan Lokey, four-star Edge Braydon Robinson, and three-star CB Kameron Grisby.
None of this is surprising given Mike Elko's success in the 2027 cycle, building strong and lasting relationships with all 26 commitments, with nearly half shutting down their recruitments this summer.
After a record 10 players were selected in the 2026 NFL Draft back in late April, Elko further proved his ability to develop players to reach their NFL potential at nearly every position, and you can be sure every current high school prospect will be paying attention if Elko continues to send double-digit recruits and transfer additions to the league.

#dillon

Texas A&M's 2026 season opener vs. Missouri State is a little over five weeks away, while the Aggies' preseason will kick off early next month. It's been a busy but quiet offseason for coach Mike Elko, who is entering his third season at the helm after leading the Aggies to the College Football Playoff for the first time in program history.
Accomplishing several key goals, including a record 10 players selected in the 2026 NFL Draft, Elko signed his six-year extension just weeks before the end of the 2025 season, which was a smart move given his status as one of the top football minds, while Penn State reportedly looked to poach the New Jersey native before ultimately hiring Iowa State coach Matt Campbell.
Retaining 65% of the 2025 roster paired with 17 transfer portal additions and the 2026 signing class, Texas A&M's 2026 roster isn't lacking talent, especially with redshirt junior quarterback Marcel Reed returning under center for his second full starting season after throwing for a career-high 3,169 yards, 25 touchdowns, and 12 interceptions last season.
On paper, Alabama's secondary can be compared to Texas A&M's deep cornerback and safety rotation, now featuring transfer CB Rickey Gibson and former Colorado safety Tawfiq Byard, while the Aggies' defensive line will be led by senior DT DJ Hicks and Northwestern transfer edge Anto Saka, who is already a favorite among NFL scouts.
Texas A&M is not viewed as an overwhelming favorite to make it back to the CFP, mainly due to tough road games vs. LSU, Missouri, South Carolina, Alabama, and Oklahoma, as well as hosting Texas at home. Still, A&M's roster is more than talented enough to compete with every opponent on the schedule, while the new 9-game SEC slate will affect all 16 teams in different ways.

#roster

Texas A&M's No. 1-ranked 2027 recruiting class features a nation-high six five-star commitments, led by the program's top prospect, five-star offensive tackle Mark Matthews, who is widely considered the best pass protector with the potential to become a future first-round NFL Draft selection.
Combined with fellow OL Kennedy Brown, safety Kamarui Dorsey, Edge Zyron Forstall, cornerback Raylaun Henry, and wide receiver Eric McFarland, third-year coach Mike Elko and his staff are very close to locking down the No. 1-ranked 2027 cycle.
After landing four-star linebacker Mikahi Allen, five-star running back Landen Williams-Callis, who will announce his commitment on August 1, remains the lone priority prospect, but is expected to land with the Texas Longhorns after his OV to Austin this summer. Even if the Aggies don't secure Williams-Callis's commitment, Texas A&M's 2027 running back room will be in good shape regardless.
At wide receiver, three-star Demani Warren and four-star Jayden Upshawn complement Eric McFarland's elite speed and versatility as the likely future starting slot receiver once Mario Craver departs for the NFL, and will immediately compete for a starting role in 2027 with second-year receiver Madden Williams in the slot.
Among the top-ranked wide receiver prospects in the 2027 cycle, McFarland comes in at No. 7 in MaxPreps writer Zach Poff's top-10 rankings, which is quite impressive given the site's sole dedication to covering high school prospects.

#ranked #wide #mcfarland

When it comes to measuring a college football fan's dedication, ranging from attending every home and most away games, spending substantial amounts of money on merchandise, or, in today's NIL-driven landscape, donating money to a program's collective to help fund recruiting efforts and land top transfer portal additions, has become the effective form of support.
On Monday, Message Board Geniuses released its top-10 "Most loyal college football fanbases" with Nebraska coming in at No. 1, followed by Texas A&M at No. 2, which makes perfect sense given both programs' struggle to match their success in the 1990's, especially the Cornhuskers, who dominated with three national championships in 1994, 1995, and 1997 under legendary head coach Tom Osborne.
Texas A&M came close to competing for a national **** le multiple times under former coach R. C. Slocum, who finished his A&M coaching career 123-47-2, including three Southwest Conference **** les and one Big 12 Championship during the 1998 season. Since then, Texas A&M has undergone five coaching changes, and Mike Elko will enter his third season at the helm after leading the Aggies to the College Football Playoff last season.
Texas A&M alums gleefully greet one another with "Gig 'em" or "Howdy!" and will stand throughout every home game in Kyle Field, no matter the team's record. The best example of steadfast support for the Maroon & White came during the 2022 season, when the Aggies finished 5-7 and, despite home losses to Ole Miss and Florida, wins against UMass and LSU, at least 90,000 fans made their way to Kyle Field.
Last season, over 100,000-plus Aggies attended every home game, including 108,582 during Texas A&M's epic comeback win vs. South Carolina.

#college #Football #every #field

As we gear up for the 2026 football season, Aggies Wire is breaking down nearly every player on the Texas A&M roster. Throughout the preseason, each profile will highlight a player's background, recruiting rankings out of high school, and projected role under head coach Mike Elko.
Texas A&M's run defense left plenty to be desired at times last season, and just as Elko made it a priority to overhaul the secondary with length and speed, he approached the linebacker room with the same intentionality. The staff has done a strong job building a youthful foundation, but they needed a veteran presence who could step in and stabilize the unit immediately. Enter senior Tulsa transfer Ray Coney.
Coney's importance grew even further once projected starter Daymion Sanford suffered a lower‑body injury during the Maroon & White Spring Game, sidelining him for an unspecified portion of the 2026 campaign. In his lone season at Tulsa, Coney was one of the most productive linebackers in the American Conference, recording 129 tackles, 7.5 tackles for loss, two sacks, and a forced fumble. His breakout year earned him 2025 American All‑Conference First Team honors, 2025 Phil Steele's American Conference First Team recognition, and a spot on the 2025 East‑West Shrine Bowl 1000 Watch List.
There's real optimism inside the program about what Coney can become in Elko's system, and the Aggies will need that development to materialize quickly as they search for his running mate until Sanford returns to the lineup.
Hometown: Fairfield, Ohio

#coney #season #texas

Texas A&M is closer than ever to securing the No. 1-ranked 2027 recruiting class after securing four-star linebacker Mikahi Allen's commitment earlier this month, bringing the total number of commits to 27 heading into the 2026 college football season.
While third-year coach Mike Elko and his staff will be in the running to flip multiple 2027 commits, which could include five-star CB and South Carolina commit Joshua Dobson, five-star running back Landen Williams-Callis will announce his commitment on August 1, but is currently trending to land with the Texas Longhorns.
As soon as the 2026 season begins, the Aggies will use every home game as a hosting opportunity for the 2028 cycle, which will include two priority prospects who are Texas A&M legacies. This spring, Elko officially offered four-star running back Ian Thomas, son of former Aggie star running back Rodney Thomas, who, according to Rivals insider Sam Spiegelman, is heavily favored to land at his Father's alma mater.
Texas A&M AHC and RB coach Trooper Taylor has led Thomas's recruitment, and while some believe Texas A&M is the leader due to his Aggie lineage, that's far from the truth.
"Coach was clear that it was me and how I play that got me the offer," Thomas stated to Rivals. "I appreciated him saying that."

#rivals #securing

On Wednesday, Texas A&M coach Mike Elko, alongside quarterback Marcel Reed, safety Marcus Ratcliffe, and linebacker Daymion Sanford, spoke to the local and national media during SEC Media Days, and after suffering what looked like a serious lower-body injury during the Maroon & White Game, Daymion Sanford, who is entering his senior season, has already graduated from his walking boot after undergoing surgery this summer.
On track to potentially return to the field earlier than expected, Sanford stated on Wednesday that he is already running again, while his recovery was "more of a mindset thing" the required plenty of patience without affecting his return timeline, while steadfast support from Mike Elko, and knowing that the Aggie linebacker rotation is in good shape with transfer Ray Coney and rising sophomore Noah Mikhail leading the way before he returns.
"I think it's going to be pretty difficult," Sanford stated. "But it's more of a mindset thing that I've learned throughout this process. You have to celebrate the small wins every day and make yourself feel good. So I've been celebrating the small wins, like being able to walk again, being able to get out of the brace, being able to run, stuff like that."
During the first portion of his Q&A with the local Aggie media, Sanford was asked which defensive player on the roster is under the radar entering the 2026 season, and while a long list of returning players could have been named, Sanford chose Illinois transfer defensive tackle Angelo McCullom, who reportedly hit a new bench press personal record of 470 pounds.
While North Carolina transfer defensive tackle CJ Mims is expected to start at nose tackle, McCullom, who appeared in 12 games at nose tackle last season, recording 19 tackles and 2 sacks, will serve as his primary backup. Per Pro Football Focus, McCullom finished the year with a solid 70.3 run defense grade.

#season

Texas A&M's No. 1-ranked 2027 recruiting class is all but complete, barring any last-minute flips, specifically focused on five-star cornerback Joshua Dobson, who is firmly committed to South Carolina but recently stated that his recruitment is "long from over," which provides an opening for the Aggies, especially if the Gamecocks struggle during the 2026 season.
Heading into the fall, third-year coach Mike Elko and his staff are focused on the season at hand, while a long list of priority prospects in the 2028 recruiting cycle are already on pace to announce their commitments, with blue-chip four-star quarterback Donald Tabron already receiving multiple predictions to become A&M's second commitment in its 2028 class.
Under Elko, Texas A&M has been in the running for nearly every top-ranked prospect, no matter the position, thanks to a strong culture and, yes, NIL advantage, and on Friday, it was revealed that 2028 five-star Edge Darieon Prescott is set to announce his commitment on Monday, July 27, and will choose between Notre Dame, Oregon, and Texas A&M.
Coming off his unofficial visit to College Station, Prescott has received a prediction from Rivals to land with the Fighting Irish, but it's important to note that early commitments are almost never set in stone, providing every contending program more than a year to make headway.
Standing 6'6" and 220 pounds, Prescott is your standard elite athlete with immense potential, whose length and bend off the edge provide whichever coaching staff is lucky enough to land him with NFL traits that should lead to a bright future at the next level. Prescott is currently positioned as Rivals' 24th-ranked prospect, 5th-ranked Edge, and 2nd-ranked prospect in Illinois.

#prospect #rivals #class

After losing four of five starters to the 2026 NFL Draft, the Texas A&M offensive line underwent major revamping in the offseason, as a slew of newcomers will play their first snaps for the Aggies this season.
Last year's group protected quarterback Marcel Reed extremely well, tying with Ole Miss for first in the SEC with only 19.0 total sacks allowed. The starting offensive line, featuring 161 combined starts from Mike Elko's first year at the helm in 2024, earned the Joe Moore Award Midseason Honor Roll, which recognized the nation's top offensive lines. They paved the way for the program to earn its first 11-0 start since 1992 and secure its first College Football Playoff bid last season.
Despite production lost during the offseason, Elko hauled in some impressive transfer talent and incoming freshmen who could make a big impact for Texas A&M's offense in 2026.
Here are some players to watch in the trenches in our overview of the unit for the upcoming campaign:
#65 Avery Morcho - Fr., 6'6", 284 lbs

#line #offseason

Texas A&M coach Mike Elko, quarterback Marcel Reed, linebacker Daymion Sanford, and safety Marcus Ratcliffe spoke to the local and national media during SEC Media Days, previewing the 2026 season at length, especially for those outside the Aggie media sphere who have not paid attention until now.
Entering his second full starting season, Marcel Reed is on track to match his career-high 3,169 passing yards and 25 touchdowns in 2025, while his 12 interceptions were tied for the second most in the SEC; but after adding former Alabama wide receiver Isaiah Horton this offseason, Reed is well equipped to take more shots down the field given Horton's size advantage, especially in the red zone.
However, after offensive coordinator Collin Klein departed to take over as Kansas State's head coach, and instead of hiring outside the program, Mike Elko elevated wide receivers coach Holmon Wiggins, who, despite his lack of play-calling experience, served as Klein's Co-OC over the last two seasons, and was former Alabama head coach Nick Saban's long-time WR coach and AHC before making his way to College Station.
On Wednesday, Austin, Texas-based reporter Cory Mose asked Marcel Reed how the transition from Collin Klein to Holmon Wiggins has been just over 40 days before Texas A&M's season-opener vs. Missouri State, citing his strong relationship with new quarterbacks coach Joey Lynch and Wiggins' experience in the program.
"Hasn't been a crazy transition...I'm in the room with coach Wiggins and my quarterbacks coach, coach Lynch a lot this offseason. Just trying to pick their brains a little bit, let them pick mine. So we're on the when it comes to each and every weekend"

#texas #elko

On Wednesday, Texas A&M coach Mike Elko, linebacker Daymion Sanford, safety Marcus Ratcliffe, and quarterback Marcel Reed spoke to the local and national media during SEC Media Days ahead of the 2026 season, which is now just a mere 43 days away as the Aggies will host Missouri State on Saturday, Sept. 5, to kick off the new campaign.
Elko's quote regarding the Aggies' lack of hardware, stating, "I show them our trophy case, and it's empty," when discussing what continues to motivate the roster after making the College Football Playoff for the first time in program history last season, received national attention but was widely misinterpreted, which is never surprising in today's social-media-driven landscape.
After passing for a career-high 3,169 yards, 25 touchdowns, and 12 interceptions last season, Marcel Reed, entering his second full starting season, can always rely on Mike Elko to be honest about his need to improve after the Aggies' back-to-back losses to Texas and Miami in the first round of the CFP, which included four turnovers.
Against top-35 ranked defenses, Reed threw six touchdowns and eight interceptions, completing just 59% of his passes while throwing 19 touchdowns and four interceptions the rest of the way, which is truly the definition of a "high variance" quarterback with the potential to be much more consistent.
"The narrative around Marcel (Reed) has been pretty fair," Elko said. "At his highs, he can be an elite quarterback… We know if he can play at his best consistently, he has an opportunity to have a really, really high ceiling."

#reed #elko #season #quarterback

As we gear up for the 2026 football season, Aggies Wire is breaking down nearly every player on the Texas A&M roster. Throughout the preseason, each profile will highlight a player’s background, recruiting rankings out of high school, and projected role under head coach Mike Elko.
Texas A&M continues to use the transfer portal to upgrade its roster, landing Colorado safety Tawfiq Byard, an experienced defender with track‑level speed and proven production.
A former high school sprinter, Byard brings range and physicality to the back end. He started eight of 12 games for the Buffaloes last season, leading the team with 85 tackles, adding 8 tackles for loss, 0.5 sacks, four pass breakups, and one interception.
His ability to close ****** e, finish in the open field, and hold up in coverage makes him a strong fit for an Aggie secondary looking for reliability and playmaking.
Hometown: Hyattsville, Maryland

#roster #school

With the conclusion of Texas A&M's appearance at SEC Media Days on Wednesday afternoon, the Aggies are full speed ahead towards the 2026 season opener vs. Missouri State on Saturday, Sept. 5, and for third-year coach Mike Elko, building on last season's immense success after making it to the College Football Playoff for the first time in program history remains the primary focus.
Already establishing a strong culture, Elko's decision to elevate wide receivers coach Holmon Wiggins as the new offensive coordinator received plenty of skepticism from both the fan base and national media alike, but during Wednesday's press conference, Elko continued to cheerlead his decision, which should pay off given that Marcel Reed returns at quarterback for his second full starting season.
Among the national media, ESPN and Amazon Prime Video college football and NFL ****** yst Kirk Herbstreit, one of the hardest-working men in the sports broadcasting landscape, shares a history with Marcel Reed after his sons played with the redshirt junior signal-caller at Montgomery Bell Academy in Nashville, Tennessee.
However, that doesn't mean Herbstreit has avoided criticizing the Aggie QB when warranted, especially after his poor performance against Texas and Miami in the first round of the CFP, but he remains one of the few, now including former Alabama coach Nick Saban, who fully believe Marcel Reed, similar to Ole Miss QB Trinidad Chambliss, to be one of the best overall athletes in the country.
During his appearance on the Pat McAfee Show, Herbstreit stated that he believes Texas A&M could "make a run" towards a national ****** le this season with Marcel Reed leading the way.

#herbstreit

Texas A&M's appearance at SEC Media Days has come and gone, as third-year coach Mike Elko, alongside quarterback Marcel Reed, linebacker Daymion Sanford, and safety Marcus Ratcliffe, spoke to the media at length, covering nearly every topic imaginable related to the upcoming 2026 season's goals, while Sanford, who suffered a lower-body injury this spring, stated that he could return "soon."
While much of the focus geared towards Marcel Reed's goals of taking the "next step" in his development after his career year under center, the redshirt junior signal caller will be working with new offensive coordinator Holmon Wiggins, who, despite his lack of play-calling experience, received an overwhelming vote of confidence from Mike Elko, who decided against an outside hire after Collin Klein departed to take over as Kansas State's head coach after two seasons.
Before taking over as Texas A&M's wide receivers coach ahead of the 2024 season, Wiggins served as former Alabama coach Nick Saban's WR coach and ******* istant head coach, while developing Heisman-winning wide receiver DeVonta Smith during the 2020 season and, most importantly, serving as Klein's Co-OC during the last two seasons.
On Wednesday, during Elko's Q&A portion of the event, the New Jersey native stayed true to his decision in elevating Wiggins, remaining highly confident that, with Marcel Reed back under center, paired with an elite wide receiver room and an equally talented running back rotation, Wiggins' transition should be much smoother than many expect.
"We ran a national search and talked to a lot of guys. One of the mistakes we make is that we ******* ume new is always better," Elko said. "He has a lot of experience at Texas A&M and in this conference. … I have a ton of confidence in who he is as a football coach."

#marcel #wide

Among the three Texas A&M players who accompanied third-year coach Mike Elko to SEC Media Days this week, senior linebacker Daymion Sanford spoke at length about his recovery after suffering a lower-body injury during the Maroon & White Game that required surgery over three months ago.
Alongside redshirt junior quarterback Marcel Reed and senior safety Marcus Ratcliffe, Sanford was not wearing a walking boot or any exterior protection, which, on the surface, looked like a great sign that the star defender has made significant progress and could return to the lineup earlier than previously expected.
However, when asked about a potential return date, Mike Elko remains unsure, while Sanford sounded much more optimistic, telling On3's Carter Karels that Texas A&M's training staff and doctors have aided in speeding up his recovery, which could result in returning to the field before the second half of the 2026 season.
"It's been going along good," he told Karels. "I've been working with the training staff; we've got the best training staff and doctors in the country, and they've been doing a lot with me. So I've been doing pretty good."
Last season, Sanford exploded on the scene after senior linebacker Scooby Williams dealt with injury issues, ranking fourth on the team in tackles with 57, paired with 3.5 sacks, an interception, three pass deflections, and two forced fumbles. A 2026 team captain, the Katy (TX) native is widely considered one of the best and most important players on the roster, while his mental toughness has been vital in getting through this latest hurdle.

#texas #i 've

Charlotte Knights 8, Norfolk Tides 4
The Knights (52-46) are off to a good start against the Tides (35-61), and they hold a 2-0 series lead. Charlotte picked up 12 hits and drew six walks during a strong performance.
The game remained scoreless until the bottom of the second, when four of the first five Knights reached base safely. Tim Elko singled, Andy Weber singled, and although Dru Baker popped out, Riley Unroe and Rikuu Nishida drew back-to-back walks. Nishida’s walk forced in the game’s first run, and the Knights led from that point forward. Charlotte was not done that inning, as Everson Pereira drove in a run with a productive ground out, and Austin Hays doubled to make the score 3-0.
In the third, Korey Lee singled before stealing second and advancing to third on a throwing error. From there, Weber drove Lee in with a double. Two innings later, Weber built on his big day with a solo homer to extend Charlotte’s lead to five. The Knights scored their sixth run on a Riley Unroe solo homer in the fifth, and Tim Elko added the exclamation point with a two-run homer in the eighth.
Knights starter Mason Adams, 26, was on top of his game, only allowing one hit in five innings and keeping the Tides off the board. The bullpen allowed four runs in four innings, but despite a subpar bullpen performance, the Knights comfortably held on.
MVP
Andy Weber (SS): 3-for-5, HR, 2B, 2 RBI

#knights #charlotte #tides #innings

One of college football's most legendary head coaches gave much praise to Texas A&M head coach Mike Elko and his quarterback Marcel Reed in an interview with ESPN from the 2026 SEC Media Days.
Former Alabama head coach and current college football ******* yst Nick Saban said he really likes what the Aggies bring to the table this season, including the return of Reed as the signal-caller. Texas A&M achieved its first 11-0 start since 1992 and reached the College Football Playoff for the first time in Elko's second season at the helm, paving the way for a higher ceiling and much higher expectations.
According to Saban, Reed's a really good passer who has continued to get better each year. With a slew of talented and electric targets surrounding him, this could be the Nashville, Tennessee, native's chance to take his game to the next level.
It is undeniable that Saban is a believer in what Elko has built in College Station, after being ranked second in program history for best record through the first two seasons (19-7), just behind former Aggie head coach Kevin Sumlin. Texas A&M also tied a school record with 10 players selected in the 2026 NFL Draft.
Despite the loss of production, the Aggies hauled in the No. 4 transfer portal class, No. 7 recruiting class and retained guys like Reed, safety Marcus Ratcliffe and linebacker Daymion Sanford, all of which represented the Maroon and White at SEC Media Days on Wednesday.

#texas #Media

Texas A&M head coach Mike Elko spoke at SEC Media Days on Wednesday.
It is the first real chance for the media to ask the coaches questions and get a feel for their mentality heading into a new season.
Elko was asked about how he motivates his players at Texas A&M, especially coming off an 11-2 season and a trip to the College Football Playoff. His response began pretty bluntly.
“I show them our trophy case, and it’s empty.
I think they are all very aware of that. We live in a lot of worlds. We are obviously happy with the things we’ve accomplished, we are happy with the direction of our program.

#mike #college #Football

There's been no shortage of news from SEC media days. Things continue with Texas A&M football's representatives taking the stand Wednesday to answer questions.
Aggies linebacker Daymion Sanford, safety Marcus Ratcliffe and quarterback Marcel Reed join head coach Mike Elko in Tampa Bay, Fla. A&M has improved every year under Elko, winning 11 games and making the College Football Playoff in 2025.
Alabama, Florida and Ole Miss representatives will also be available. Although the Crimson Tide is not the perennial powerhouse it was under Nick Saban, head coach Kalen DeBoer returns a talented roster led by wide receiver Ryan Coleman-Williams. The Gators and Rebels are both under new leadership, with the former headed by Jon Sumrall and the latter by Pete Golding.
Here are live updates from SEC media days.

#coach #texas #aggies

Texas A&M's first commit in the No. 1-ranked 2027 recruiting class recently spoke with GigEm247 insider Jackson Dipasquale this week, as four-star quarterback Jayce Johnson discussed his relationships with coach Mike Elko, new OC Holmon Wiggins, and new QB coach Joey Lynch, which were further strengthened during his official visit to College Station back in late May.
Johnson's arm talent is undeniable, and while his ability to make plays outside the pocket remains an area in need of improvement, Texas A&M's quarterback future post-Marcel Reed must include the Georgia native in order to avoid a massive drop-off at the most important position. Standing 6'4" and 200-plus pounds, Johnson has already established himself as a playmaker, but like most future college signal callers, consistency is the focus.
The Aggies' 2027 cycle also features four wide receiver commits, led by five-star Eric McFarland, while four-star Jayden Upshaw is equally intriguing given his physical play style and fearlessness making catches in the middle of the field, and combined with three-stars Demani Warren, who's 6'4", and Trey Haddad, who is a natural playmaker, Jayce Johnson will have plenty to work with under center.
After landing four-star linebacker Mikahi Allen, only five-star running back Landen Williams-Callis remains as the Aggies' final uncommitted priority prospect, who will announce his commitment on August 1.
Right now, the Texas Longhorns are the favorites to secure the blue-chip back, but Texas A&M remains a finalist, and Jayce Johnson, who, similar to four-star Edge Kaden McCarty, has been a vocal recruiter for the Aggies via social media and during nearly every interview this offseason. Johnson made his final recruiting pitch to Williams-Callis.

#johnson #star #jayce

Just days after Texas A&M's first-round loss to Miami in the 2025 College Football Playoff, it was abundantly clear that starting quarterback Marcel Reed needed to improve in several areas, starting with eliminating "mental mistakes" against elite defenses, while the Aggies were set to transfer wide receiver KC Concepcion to the NFL Draft.
Entering his third season, coach Mike Elko was set to lose second-year OC Collin Klein, now Kansas State's head coach, and instead of pursuing an outside hire, Elko elevated WR coach Holmon Wiggins as the new OC and playcaller, while Lyle Hemphill was promoted as the Aggies' new defensive coordinator after Jay Bateman departed for Kentucky.
After Marcel Reed announced his official return, Elko and his staff went to work in the transfer portal, adding 17 players, including former Alabama wide receiver Isaiah Horton, whose 6'4" frame pairs well with junior star wideout Mario Craver, who reeled in 59 receptions, 917 yards and four touchdowns during his first season in College Station.
In the backfield, former five-star prospect and redshirt junior running back Rueben Owens will be tasked with replacing Le'Veon Moss as the starter, but sophomore Jamarion Morrow, who looks like the best one-cut back on the roster, is still in contention for the starting job heading into the preseason.
After completing 62% of his passes for 3,169 yards, 25 touchdowns, and 12 interceptions, paired with 493 rushing yards and six scores, Marcel Reed is equipped with the necessary speed and size at wide receiver to thrive in the pocket, and while four new starting offensive linemen could result in some early blocking issues, the expectations remain high for the Aggie offense.

Entering the first season with a college fantasy football format, there are various Texas A&M representatives projected to be among the nation's elite players in 2026.
The Aggies finished the 2025 regular season with an 11-1 overall record and 7-1 mark in the Southeastern Conference, before losing to the Miami Hurricanes in the first round of the College Football Playoff. After landing an impressive No. 4-ranked transfer portal haul and a No. 17 recruiting class, head coach Mike Elko has a plethora of electric talent to reach the playoff again this year.
Texas A&M's success will depend heavily on the progression of quarterback Marcel Reed, who enters his junior campaign as the No. 17 quarterback and No. 143 overall player in the preseason fantasy football list. Reed threw for 3,169 yards (No. 3 in the SEC) and 12 touchdowns (No. 1 in the SEC) in 2025, while also rushing for 493 yards and six scores on the ground.
He'll have the opportunity to make some explosive plays with returning wide receiver Mario Craver and Alabama transfer Isaiah Horton catching passes for the gunslinger, making them potential breakout options for the first college fantasy football mode offered by Yahoo Sports. Running backs like Rueben Owens II and rising freshman KJ Edwards bring physicality, grit and electrifying speed to the Aggies' backfield, which could provide users with solid late-round running back options for upcoming drafts.
Here are the five highest-ranked Texas A&M players in Yahoo Sports College Fantasy Football preseason rankings entering the 2026-27 season:

Texas A&M's No. 1-ranked 2027 recruiting class is all but wrapped up after landing four-star linebacker Mikahi Allen on Saturday afternoon, and while five-star running back Landon Williams-Callis has yet to announce his commitment, the Texas Longhorns currently lead for the blue-chip back, while the Aggies will likely gear their focus to flipping four-star running back and Texas Tech commit SaRod Baker.
While we haven't moved on to the 2028 recruiting class just yet, third-year coach Mike Elko and his staff have made significant progress with several priority prospects in the cycle, including NFL legacy and four-star wide receiver Jayden Addai, son of former Indianapolis Colts running back Joseph Addai. On the defensive side, rising four-star Edge George Parkinson IV recently placed Texas A&M on his initial top-6 list.
Elko and his staff will battle Oregon, Penn State, Ohio State, LSU, and Tennessee for the second-ranked player in Pennsylvania, whose 6'4", 235-pound frame provides whichever coaching staff he chooses a body type that will aid in his development as a future starting pass rusher. While Parkinson has primarily played at tight end, his future is on defense.
Texas A&M's lone 2028 commit is four-star Edge Chance Archangel, who chose the Aggies over LSU and several other blue-blood programs back in early June. It's early, but being one of six finalists to land George Parkinson IV is a good sign ahead of the 2026 season, where a long list of 2028 prospects are poised to make in-season visits.
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Texas A&M's No. 1-ranked 2027 recruiting class is all but wrapped up after third-year coach Mike Elko and first-year linebackers coach Travis Williams landed another key commitment from four-star linebacker Makahi Allen on Saturday afternoon, as the well-rounded defender joins five-star linebacker Kaden Henderson and rising three-star LB commit Aston Whiteside.
On paper, Texas A&M's future linebacker rotation is all but set with Henderson and Allen in the fold, though transfer Ray Coney and senior Daymion Sanford, who will likely miss the first half of the regular season after sustaining a lower-body injury, are set to depart after the 2026 season. Combined with the Aggies' four freshman linebackers, including Tamarion Watkins, whose 6'4" frame and physicality are highly intriguing.
Before landing Kaden Henderson, Texas A&M had not secured a five-star LB commit in over 20 years, while Makahi Allen's background as a former safety who is already an established off-ball linebacker, who has shown the ability to shoot gaps and cover the corners in coverage pairs well with Henderson's elite athleticism and NFL-level speed/quickness.
Other freshman linebackers to note include DaQuives Beck, Storm Miller, and Tank King, who will likely sit and develop during the 2026 season. Given the lack of depth behind Ray Coney and sophomore Noah Mikhail, DaQuives Beck is a name to watch during preseason practice. Every player listed is at least 6'0" or more, providing plenty of size to stop the run and face larger offensive linemen in pass rush situations.
Mike Elko's focus on situational awareness and football IQ forces every current and future player on the roster to adapt and not take their foot off the gas on any play, especially at linebacker, which, as many know, serves as the quarterback of the defense.

Texas A&M's No. 1-ranked recruiting class was further strengthened after coach Mike Elko and his staff landed five-star linebacker Kaeden Henderson, considered one of the top athletes in the cycle, and he will likely compete for a starting job during his first season. After landing four linebacker commitments in the 2026 recruiting class, Elko and new LB coach Travis Williams had their sights set on 2027 four-star linebacker Mikahi Allen.
One of the top-ranked players in New Jersey, Allen is among the more underrated defensive prospects with high NFL upside and pairs well with Henderson's speed and pass-rush potential. Coming down to Texas, South Carolina, and Texas A&M, the Aggies came out on top during his announcement on Saturday, landing their 26th commitment in the top-ranked 2027 cycle.
Consistent linebacker play has been an issue for Texas A&M going back to the Kevin Sumlin years, and while former three-year starter Taurean York was certainly productive, his lack of size was an issue, and heading into the 2026 season, only senior Daymion Sanford is listed below 6'0", as projected starters Ray Coney and Noah Mikhail are both 6'2" and over 220 pounds.
Mikahi Allen is currently listed at 6'2" and 235 pounds, and according to 247Sports' Director of Scouting, Andrew Ivins, the New Jersey-based prospect can simply do it all, providing Elko and Williams another versatile athlete who will compete for a starting role in his second season.
"Can do a little bit of everything as he can attack the corner while playing on the ball, shoot gaps when positioned off the ball and impact passing lanes in coverage."

It's been a busy offseason for Texas A&M coach Mike Elko, who is entering his third season at the helm with equally high expectations after leading the Aggies to the College Football Playoff for the first time in program history, primarily due to starting quarterback Marcel Reed's career numbers through the air, combined with A&M's defense producing the third most sacks in the country.
After two seasons as Texas A&M's OC, Collin Klein departed to become Kansas State's head coach, prompting Elko to elevate wide receivers coach Holmon Wiggins as the program's new playcaller. Despite his lack of OC experience, Wiggins had served as Klein's co-offensive coordinator the last two seasons.
After throwing for 3,169 yards and 25 touchdowns, Marcel Reed has worked hard this offseason to avoid matching his 12 interceptions, which were tied for second most in the SEC, while his his wide receiver rotation now includes Alabama transfer Isaiah Horton, while star junior Mario Craver leads what is nationally consider and elite rotation after fellow star KC Concecpion, who led the Aggies in receiving last season, was selected 24th overall by the Cleveland Browns.
Two more offensive weapons at Reed's disposal are sophomore running back Jamarion Morrow and freshman WR Aaron Gregory, who are reportedly working out with WR trainer James Everett Jr. For those who get dizzy quickly, make sure to play the video below of both players performing agility drills. Gregory already looks bigger, while Morrow, who is slated to compete for the starting running back role, continues to look like the best one-cut back on the roster.
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Oregon Ducks head coach Dan Lanning has long been considered one of the best college football coaches in the nation, and that was borne out on Thursday. The Dodd Trophy released its preseason watch list for the 2026 season, and Lanning was listed as a coach to keep an eye on.
20 coaches in total were named to the list, including some heavy hitters like Georgia's Kirby Smart, Texas' Steve Sarkisian, Ohio State's Ryan Day, Notre Dame's Marcus Freeman, and Texas A&M's Mike Elko.
"The Dodd Trophy, college football's most coveted national coaching award, celebrates the head coach of a team who enjoys success on the gridiron, while also stressing the importance of scholarship, leadership and integrity– the three pillars of legendary coach Bobby Dodd's coaching philosophy," The Dodd Trophy wrote in a release. "The award was established to honor the NCAA Football Bowl Subdivision (formerly Division 1A) head football coach whose program represents the highest ideals on and off the field."
In his four seasons at Oregon, Lanning is 48-8 at Oregon, with two trips to the College Football Playoff and a Big Ten Championship victory in 2024. Going into the new season, Oregon is expected to have one of the most talented rosters in the nation, and the best of the Lanning era.
While the Ducks have been a great regular-season team over the past few years, they've at times struggled in the postseason, so that will be the biggest test for Lanning to overcome this upcoming season.