Texas A&M is making serious noise in the transfer portal, and the Aggies aren’t just dipping their toes in - they’re diving headfirst. With 18 transfers already committed, the haul is headlined by Alabama wide receiver Isaiah Horton, who jumped on board just hours after former Auburn standout Cam Coleman pledged his commitment to Texas. That’s two SEC-caliber playmakers joining the offensive ranks in a matter of hours - and it signals that the Aggies are reloading with urgency and intent.
Offensively, the Aggies appear to have addressed their most pressing needs. Four offensive linemen have been added, beefing up a unit that needed reinforcements. With those additions, it looks like the offensive side of the ball is largely set heading into the spring.
But the defense? That’s still a work in progress.
Even with five defensive linemen already added - including experienced edge rusher Anto Saka and interior force Ryan Henderson - the Aggies were hit with a significant blow when junior linebacker Taurean York declared for the 2026 NFL Draft. York was a tone-setter in the middle of the defense, and replacing his production and leadership won’t be easy.
Texas A&M did land Tulsa transfer Ray Coney early in the portal cycle, and he brings a high motor and the kind of tackling instincts that could make him the new centerpiece of the linebacker corps. Coney profiles as a guy who can lead the team in tackles and be a steady force in the middle. But depth - and more importantly, starting-caliber experience - is still a concern, especially after the Aggies struggled to stop the run last season.
Houston Christian transfer TJ Smith joined the linebacker room this week, adding some depth to the unit. But he’s more of a rotational piece at this point.
The real spotlight is on Daymion Sanford, an incoming senior who’s already flashed star potential. Sanford, a two-time SEC Player of the Week, racked up 57 tackles, 3.5 sacks, and two pass breakups last season.
He’s a natural fit at the Will linebacker spot, where his coverage skills shine. But the Aggies still need someone who can consistently plug gaps and take on blocks in the middle.
That’s where things get interesting.
Early Thursday morning, Ole Miss linebacker TJ Dottery entered the portal - and he’s immediately one of the top names available at the position. Dottery is coming off a monster season with 98 total tackles, including 48 solo stops and 1.5 sacks. He’s a high-volume tackler with a nose for the football and a knack for finding his way into plays.
The advanced numbers tell a mixed story. Dottery earned an above-average overall grade from Pro Football Focus, but his run defense grade sat at 60.2 - solid, but not elite. Still, he totaled 10 pressures and 30 stops, which speaks to his ability to make plays behind the line and clean up in space.
Once Dottery hit the portal, LSU quickly emerged as the frontrunner. Former Ole Miss head coach Lane Kiffin, now in Baton Rouge, is reportedly making a strong push to reunite with his former linebacker.
Meanwhile, Ole Miss - now under the direction of Pete Golding - isn’t backing down. They’re making their own push to keep Dottery in Oxford.
So where does Texas A&M fit into all of this?
That’s the big question. Head coach Mike Elko has already addressed several key needs through the portal, and the linebacker room isn’t bare. But adding a proven veteran like Dottery - someone who’s already shown he can handle the rigors of SEC play - could elevate the Aggies’ defense from solid to elite.
It’s not just about plugging a hole. It’s about fortifying a defense that wants to be among the best in the conference. With the kind of offensive firepower Texas A&M has added, shoring up the middle of the defense could be the final piece of the puzzle.
Whether or not Elko and his staff make a move for Dottery remains to be seen. But if they do, it would be a statement - not just about the Aggies’ intentions for 2026, but about their belief that they’re ready to compete at the top of the SEC, right now.