Texas A&M has just about wrapped up its 2026 transfer portal class, and it’s clear that head coach Mike Elko and his staff weren’t just plugging holes - they were building a foundation. Seventeen new faces have joined the Aggies in the last two weeks, and with the 2026 signing class set to add more depth, it looks like Elko’s roster overhaul is nearly complete.
This wasn’t a minor reshuffling. Texas A&M lost more than a dozen players to the transfer portal and the NFL Draft, including key starters on both sides of the ball.
But Elko came in with a plan - and executed it with precision. The Aggies addressed needs across the board: offensive line, defensive front, linebacker corps, and the secondary.
And they didn’t just bring in bodies - they brought in experience, versatility, and upside.
One of the biggest offensive additions is wide receiver Isaiah Horton, a transfer from Alabama. At 6-foot-4, Horton brings the kind of size that Texas A&M’s passing game lacked on the outside.
He’s a physical, jump-ball threat who can work the deep middle of the field - a perfect fit for quarterback Marcel Reed, who now has a true X receiver to target. Horton showed flashes of his potential with a three-touchdown performance in the Iron Bowl, and if that’s any indication, he could be a game-changer in College Station.
Elko also had to replace a significant chunk of his offensive line - five linemen departed, including four starters. That’s a massive void, but the Aggies hit the portal hard and brought in four SEC starters to restock the trenches.
Alabama transfer Wilkin Formby stands out, not just for his 6-foot-7, 324-pound frame, but for his versatility. He split time between right guard and right tackle last season, giving the Aggies options depending on how the rest of the line shakes out.
LSU transfer Tyree Adams is another tackle option, while Coen Echols (also from LSU) is expected to slot in at left guard. On the right side, South Carolina transfer Trovon Baugh brings a wealth of experience and should be a plug-and-play starter at right guard. That’s a rebuilt offensive line with serious SEC pedigree - and a clear sign that Elko isn’t interested in a rebuild; he’s aiming to reload.
Defensively, the Aggies had to account for the loss of edge rusher Cashius Howell and linebacker Taurean York, both off to the NFL. To help fill that void, Elko brought in Northwestern linebacker Anto Saka and Tulsa’s Ray Coney.
Saka, in particular, is intriguing. He’s got the tools to be a disruptive edge presence, and if he can develop a bit more bend and consistency, he could be a breakout candidate.
In the secondary, Tennessee cornerback Rickey Gibson III is a name to watch. He missed most of last season with a left arm injury, but when healthy, he’s a strong man-coverage defender and a reliable tackler. He’ll compete for a starting spot opposite Dezz Ricks, and if he bounces back as expected, the Aggies could have a solid cornerback duo anchoring the outside.
ESPN’s updated transfer class rankings reflect the impact of this haul, placing Texas A&M at No. 10 nationally. That’s no small feat, especially considering the level of talent and experience that left the program. LSU, under new head coach Lane Kiffin, took the top spot after landing three of the portal’s top-ranked players, but Elko’s group is right there in the mix.
And it’s not just about rankings - it’s about fit. Elko didn’t just chase stars; he went after players who fill specific needs, bring leadership, and fit his system. From Horton’s red-zone presence to Formby’s flexibility on the line, to Gibson’s potential in the secondary, the Aggies didn’t just get better - they got smarter.
With spring ball on the horizon, Texas A&M fans have reason to be optimistic. The roster turnover was significant, but the response was even more impressive. If these transfers gel quickly and live up to their potential, the Aggies won’t just be competitive - they’ll be dangerous.