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
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