Texas A&M’s Transfer Portal Exodus: Where the 11 Departing Aggies Landed
The transfer portal window has officially closed for every FBS program-except for Miami and Indiana, who earned an extended runway thanks to their national title game appearance. But for the rest of the country, the numbers speak for themselves: nearly 4,000 players entered the portal this cycle. That’s not just a wave-it’s a tidal shift in how college football rosters are built and rebuilt.
And while the portal offers players the kind of freedom coaches have long enjoyed, it doesn’t come with a guarantee. When the window slammed shut on January 16, over 1,600 FBS players were still searching for a new home-roughly 40% of those who jumped in.
That makes Texas A&M’s situation all the more noteworthy.
All 11 Aggies who entered the portal this cycle found new homes-and fast. In a climate where open spots are limited and competition is fierce, that’s no small feat. Even more impressive: only one of the 11 landed outside the Power Four, a testament to the talent that’s been flowing through College Station.
For new head coach Mike Elko and his staff, the departures leave some holes to fill, particularly in depth and rotational roles. But for the players, it’s a fresh start and a new chapter. Here’s where each of the 11 former Aggies ended up:
Tristan Jernigan - LB - Cal
Class: Sophomore
2025 Stats: 14 tackles, 3 tackles for loss
Jernigan brings a physical presence to Cal’s linebacker room.
With experience and production already under his belt, he should have a chance to contribute early in Berkeley.
Jordan Pride - S - Southern Miss
Class: Redshirt Freshman
2025 Stats: 1 tackle
Pride’s move to Southern Miss offers a clean slate and a chance to climb the depth chart.
He’s still young and has time to develop into a contributor in the secondary.
Jayvon Thomas - CB - SMU
Class: Junior
2025 Stats: 33 tackles, 1 interception
Thomas heads to SMU with real game reps and a proven ability to make plays in the secondary.
He’ll bring experience and versatility to a Mustangs defense looking to stay competitive in the Power Four.
Rylan Kennedy - DE - Florida State
Kennedy’s upside as a pass rusher will be something to watch in Tallahassee. Florida State has a track record of developing defensive linemen, and Kennedy could be the next in line to make a leap.
Solomon Williams - DE - Cal
Class: Redshirt Freshman
2025 Stats: 7 tackles, 3.0 tackles for loss
Williams flashed potential in limited action and now joins Jernigan at Cal.
The Bears are adding two young, athletic defenders who should bolster their front seven.
Theo Melin Ohrstrom - TE - SMU
Class: Redshirt Junior
2025 Stats: 19 receptions, 168 yards, 1 touchdown
A reliable target with size and soft hands, Ohrstrom gives SMU a proven tight end option.
He’s a solid addition who can stretch the field and help in the red zone.
Miles O'Neill - QB - North Carolina
Class: Redshirt Freshman
2025 Stats: 7-of-14 passing, 120 yards, 1 touchdown, 2 interceptions
O’Neill is a developmental quarterback with arm talent.
At UNC, he’ll have a shot to grow in a system that’s produced big-time passers in recent years.
Izaiah Williams - WR - Kansas State
Class: Redshirt Freshman
2025 Stats: 7 receptions, 64 yards, 1 touchdown
Williams showed flashes in limited action and now heads to a Kansas State offense that values versatility at receiver.
He could carve out a role quickly in Manhattan.
Cobey Sellers - CB - Vanderbilt
Class: Freshman
2025 Stats: N/A
A young defensive back with upside, Sellers will look to develop in the SEC with Vanderbilt.
The opportunity is there for early playing time if he can adjust quickly.
Dealyn Evans - DL - Mississippi State
Class: Freshman
2025 Stats: 8 tackles
Evans brings size and strength to the Bulldogs’ defensive line.
With SEC experience already under his belt, he could make an impact in the trenches sooner rather than later.
Jonte Newman - OL - Texas
Class: Freshman
2025 Stats: N/A
Newman joins a Texas program with big expectations and a strong offensive line tradition.
He’ll have time to develop, but the Longhorns clearly see long-term potential.
What It Means for Texas A&M
Every player who exited found a new home, which is a win for the individuals. But for Texas A&M, it’s also a reminder of the shifting landscape of roster management. Mike Elko and his staff will spend the offseason reloading, retooling, and figuring out who’s ready to step into the roles vacated by this group.
In today’s game, the portal giveth and taketh. For the Aggies, this cycle was more about taketh-but there’s still time to replenish. The next few months will be telling as A&M looks to reshape its depth chart and keep pace in the ever-evolving SEC arms race.