Texas A&M’s defense is undergoing a bit of a transformation heading into 2026, and it starts right in the heart of the unit. With longtime starter Taurean York off to the NFL, the Aggies will turn to Tulsa transfer Ray Coney to anchor the linebacker corps.
Coney isn’t just a plug-in option-he’s a tackling machine. After racking up 128 stops last season, he arrives in College Station with the kind of production and experience that makes him a strong candidate to take over the middle linebacker spot from day one.
Head coach Mike Elko and his staff aren’t done building either. They’re actively working to bring in more talent and depth, particularly at linebacker.
One name to watch is Tennessee’s Arion Carter, a recent portal entry who’s been linked to the Aggies. Elko’s trying to get the veteran backer on campus for a visit, and if that happens, it could be a significant piece added to the puzzle.
In the secondary, the picture is starting to come into focus-and it’s a promising one. Texas A&M landed two key transfers in former Colorado safety Tawfiq Byard and Tennessee cornerback Rickey Gibson. Both bring high-level experience and versatility, giving new defensive coordinator Lyle Hemphill a solid foundation to work with as he installs his system.
But the best news for the Aggies might be the players who didn’t leave. Cornerbacks Dezz Ricks and Julio Humphrey are back, and senior DB Bryce Anderson withdrew his name from the transfer portal, giving the secondary a strong mix of returning talent and new additions. That kind of continuity, especially in the defensive backfield, can’t be overstated.
Still, Elko is looking to round out the group with one more piece. With roster limits expanding to 105 players in the spring, there’s room to add depth-and that’s where Ohio State redshirt freshman safety Cody Haddad comes in.
Haddad didn’t see game action in his first year in Columbus, but he’s got four seasons of eligibility and is now exploring his options. He’ll visit Texas A&M, along with Tennessee, Iowa, and Nebraska.
Haddad may not have college snaps under his belt yet, but the tools are there. A former three-star prospect out of Ohio, he’s known for his versatility.
He played all over the field in high school but projects as a safety at the college level. He’s instinctive, physical, and not afraid to step up in run support.
His track background shows up in his closing speed, and his time as a high school receiver gives him natural ball skills. The frame needs some development-he’ll need to add weight and strength to thrive in the SEC-but that’s where Texas A&M’s strength and conditioning staff, led by Tommy Moffitt, could come into play.
If Haddad chooses the Aggies, he’d likely contribute on special teams right away while developing into a rotational piece in the secondary. He’s the kind of player who could grow into a chess piece for Hemphill’s defense-someone who can be moved around to match up with different looks and personnel.
Bottom line: the Aggies are retooling, not rebuilding. With Coney stepping into a leadership role at linebacker, a revamped and reloaded secondary, and potential additions like Haddad still on the horizon, Texas A&M’s defense is shaping up to be a fast, physical unit with depth at every level.