Texas A&M is coming off a landmark season-an 11-2 finish and the program’s first-ever College Football Playoff appearance. Now, Mike Elko is doubling down on continuity, rewarding key contributors within his staff and betting on internal development to keep the momentum rolling into 2026.
Among the five staff elevations announced Thursday, one name stands out: Bryant Gross-Armiento, better known around the program as “BGA.” The 32-year-old has officially been promoted to cornerbacks coach, stepping into a critical role as the Aggies look to solidify their secondary with both experience and elite young talent.
Gross-Armiento’s rise has been steady and well-earned. He’s been part of Elko’s coaching circle for nearly a decade, and his fingerprints are already all over this defense.
Last season, he worked with the nickelbacks, helping shape a unit that played a pivotal role in the team’s defensive success. Now, he takes over a cornerback room that’s not only veteran-laden but also infused with top-tier talent-most notably five-star freshman Brandon Arrington, one of the crown jewels of this year’s recruiting class.
BGA played a key role in bringing Arrington to College Station, working alongside former cornerbacks coach Jordan Peterson, who has since moved on to become the defensive coordinator at Kansas State. That recruiting connection is already paying dividends. Arrington, speaking with Aggie insiders, didn’t hold back when talking about the coach he’ll now be working with full-time: “When it’s all said and done, he’s going to be one of the greatest.”
That’s high praise from a player with sky-high expectations-and it speaks to the kind of impact Gross-Armiento is already making, not just as a coach but as a mentor and recruiter.
Elko’s staff shake-up also includes some other notable moves. Holmon Wiggins is taking over as offensive coordinator, while Lyle Hemphill has been elevated to defensive coordinator.
There’s also the return of Elijah Robinson, who’s back in Aggieland as assistant head coach and defensive line coach after a short stint at Syracuse. He’ll be joined on the defensive staff by new linebackers coach Travis Williams and, pending finalization, Stanford’s Paul Williams, a veteran DB coach with a résumé that includes developing 11 current NFL defensive backs.
But among all the changes, Gross-Armiento may be the most intriguing figure to watch. He’s stepping into a loaded position group, one with the talent to be among the best in the SEC. And with his track record of player development and recruiting savvy, there’s real belief inside the program that he’s ready for the spotlight.
For Elko, this is about more than just filling roles-it’s about building a sustainable culture. Promoting from within sends a clear message: the foundation is strong, the vision is clear, and the people who helped spark last season’s success are being trusted to take it even further.
Texas A&M isn’t trying to reinvent the wheel. They’re reinforcing what’s already working-and in BGA, they’ve got a coach who’s not just rising through the ranks, but helping raise the ceiling for the entire defense.