Texas A&M is heading into a pivotal spring, and all eyes are on College Station as the Mike Elko era enters its next chapter. After an 11-1 campaign in 2025 that reignited national title hopes, the Aggies are wasting no time laying the groundwork for a deeper College Football Playoff push in 2026. And it all starts with spring football.
Spring Practices Set to Begin March 20
The Aggies have officially locked in their spring practice schedule, and it’s a full slate. The first practice kicks off on March 20, setting the tone for what should be a highly competitive and revealing set of sessions. From there, the team will take the field 14 more times, with practices scheduled on March 22, March 24, March 26, March 28, March 31, April 2, April 4, April 7, April 9, April 11, April 14, April 16, April 17, and April 18.
That final date-April 18-lines up as a likely candidate for the annual Maroon & White Game, though Texas A&M has yet to officially confirm the details. Still, if tradition holds, that’s when fans can expect to get their first real look at the 2026 squad in action.
Return to the Spring Game Tradition
Last year, several top programs across the country opted out of traditional spring games, citing factors like roster turnover and the timing of the spring transfer portal window. But with no post-spring portal window in play this year, many teams-including Texas A&M-are expected to bring the spring game back in full force.
The Aggies were one of the few Power 4 programs that stuck with a spring game in 2025, and assuming they follow suit this year, it’ll be a valuable opportunity to evaluate both returning talent and new faces under Elko’s watch.
New Faces to Watch
If Texas A&M does hold its spring game on April 18, fans will get their first live look at a group of intriguing newcomers who could play key roles this fall.
The transfer portal was kind to the Aggies this offseason. Among the notable additions: former Alabama wide receiver Isaiah Horton, who brings size and speed to the perimeter; former Tennessee cornerback Rickey Gibson, a rangy defender who adds depth to the secondary; and former Alabama offensive tackle Wilkin Formby, who could be a factor in reshaping the offensive line.
Then there’s the 2026 high school recruiting class-a 25-player haul that includes some serious firepower. Headlining the group is 5-star cornerback Brandon Arrington, a lockdown defender with elite instincts and ball skills, and 4-star quarterback Helaman Casuga, a poised signal-caller with a big arm and a high football IQ. Both could make noise early, especially if they flash during spring ball.
The Stakes Are High
For Elko and his staff, this spring isn’t just about installing schemes or getting reps-it’s about setting the tone for a season that could define the trajectory of the program. The Aggies came close in 2025. Now, with a strong returning core and a fresh wave of talent, they’re aiming to take the next step.
It starts March 20. And if all goes according to plan, it’ll culminate with the Maroon & White Game on April 18-a date that could offer the first glimpse of a team with championship aspirations.