The transfer portal window has officially slammed shut, and Texas A&M made sure to leave its mark before the deadline. In a 15-day flurry of departures and arrivals, the Aggies saw 11 players exit the program-but they didn’t just sit back and watch.
Under new head coach Mike Elko, A&M aggressively reloaded, bringing in 17 new faces through the portal, including six from fellow SEC programs. That’s not just filling holes-that’s retooling with purpose.
Let’s break down where things stand now that the dust has settled, from the most impactful additions to the lingering concerns that still need to be addressed heading into spring.
Most Impactful Addition
When you’re talking about impact, it’s not just about talent-it's about timing, fit, and need. And A&M landed players who check all those boxes.
Whether it’s a plug-and-play starter from another SEC squad or a high-upside contributor ready to break out in a new system, the Aggies didn’t just chase stars-they chased solutions. These additions bring experience, toughness, and a level of familiarity with the grind of SEC football that should help this roster transition quickly under Elko’s leadership.
Position Group Most Effectively Addressed
The portal wasn’t just about grabbing names-it was about targeting areas of need, and A&M did just that. One position group in particular saw a major facelift, with multiple additions that bring both depth and starting-caliber talent.
It’s clear the staff had a plan, and they executed it with precision. This wasn’t a scattershot approach-it was surgical.
Biggest Loss
No portal cycle is complete without a few tough goodbyes, and A&M had its share. Losing a key piece-whether it’s a starter or a high-potential player who hadn’t quite broken through yet-always stings.
These departures will create opportunities for others, but there’s no sugarcoating the fact that some of the exits will leave a void, both on the field and in the locker room. That’s the reality of the modern college football landscape.
Remaining Position Concerns
Even with a strong haul, the job’s not done. There’s still a position-or even a full group-where depth remains thin or proven production is lacking.
Whether it’s a spot that didn’t get addressed in the portal or one that was hit hardest by departures, this will be an area to watch closely as spring ball approaches. Elko and his staff may still have some work to do, whether that’s through late additions or internal development.
Overall Takeaway
All in all, this was a strong first transfer portal cycle under Mike Elko. The Aggies didn’t just recover from their losses-they got better in key areas.
The infusion of SEC-tested talent, combined with a clear understanding of where the roster needed help, shows a staff that’s locked in and ready to compete right away. It’s not a finished product, but it’s a foundation that gives this program real momentum heading into the offseason.
Bonus: In-State OL Commitment
And just as the portal window closed, A&M added another building block for the future. In-state offensive tackle Kaeden Scott committed to the Aggies on Sunday night, giving the program a big-bodied, high-upside prospect to develop in the trenches. It’s another sign that Elko is keeping one eye on the now and one eye on the long game-a balance that’s critical in today’s game.
Bottom line: Texas A&M didn’t just survive the portal chaos-they came out of it stronger. This was a statement stretch for Mike Elko and his staff, and it sets the tone for what could be a very intriguing new era in College Station.