Texas A&M is gearing up for a season of change, with a roster shake-up that sees over 20 players departing, including a staggering 13 starters who earned invites to the 2026 NFL Scouting Combine. Leading this exodus are unanimous All-American edge rusher Cashius Howell and wide receiver KC Concepcion, both projected as first-round picks in the upcoming NFL Draft.
But fear not, Aggies fans. Coach Mike Elko, now in his third year, anticipated these changes and dove headfirst into the transfer portal. He's bolstered the squad with 17 new faces and 26 signees from the 2026 recruiting class, setting the stage for a promising season.
Returning stars like quarterback Marcel Reed and dynamic wide receiver Mario Craver are the heart of Texas A&M's hopes for a College Football Playoff return. Craver, who dazzled last season with 917 receiving yards and four touchdowns, averaging over 15 yards per catch, is one of the most electrifying players in college football. His speed and knack for turning short passes into big gains make him a standout athlete.
Joining Craver is Alabama transfer Isaiah Horton, who brings size and versatility to the receiving corps. Horton is expected to thrive on the outside, while Craver works his magic in the slot. Through six spring practices, Craver has looked NFL-ready, setting high expectations for his potential final season in College Station.
CBS Sports' Brad Crawford recently ranked Craver No. 6 among the "most lethal" wide receivers heading into the 2026 season, placing him alongside stars like Ohio State's Jeremiah Smith and Miami's Malachi Toney. Craver's impressive average of 15.5 yards per catch last season, along with his 917 yards on 59 receptions, underscores his impact on the field.
With Holmon Wiggins stepping up as the new offensive coordinator after Collin Klein's departure to Kansas State, the Aggies are poised for an exciting offensive shift. Inside sources from Texas A&M are buzzing about "Super Mario" Craver's performance in spring practice, highlighting him as the standout player on offense.
As the Aggies prepare to kick off their season against Missouri State, all eyes will be on Craver to see if he can break the 1,000-yard mark in receiving for the first time. With KC Concepcion moving on to the NFL, Craver's role as the primary target is set, and the Aggies are counting on him to lead the charge in their aerial attack.