Texas A&M’s offseason has been anything but quiet-and that’s exactly how Mike Elko wanted it.
With over 20 players departing via the NFL Draft and the transfer portal-including five offensive linemen and unanimous All-American edge rusher Cashius Howell-Elko and his staff wasted no time reloading the roster. The Aggies brought in 17 transfer commitments this month, strategically targeting experienced, high-upside talent at nearly every position. It’s the kind of aggressive roster reshaping that speaks to both Elko’s urgency and the program’s strength in the NIL era.
And now, with CBS Sports releasing its Top 100 transfer portal player rankings for the 2026 season, several of those new faces in College Station are earning national recognition. Let’s take a closer look at four key additions who are poised to make an immediate impact for the Aggies.
No. 11: WR Isaiah Horton (Alabama transfer)
Texas A&M needed a big-bodied, explosive wideout to complement Mario Craver and replace the production lost when Noah Thomas transferred out a year ago. Enter Isaiah Horton.
Horton, who previously transferred from Miami (FL) to Alabama, saw a slight dip in production last season, but his raw talent is hard to miss. He brings size, athleticism, and the kind of playmaking ability that can stretch defenses and open up the offense for quarterback Marcel Reed. Horton slots in as the final piece of what could be a dynamic passing attack, and his presence on the outside should give Reed a reliable, go-to target in key moments.
No. 47: CB Rickey Gibson (Tennessee transfer)
Gibson’s 2025 season was cut short after an upper-body injury in the opener against Syracuse, but don’t let the limited tape fool you-this is a high-ceiling cornerback with real SEC chops.
At 6-foot with speed and fluid hips, Gibson brings the kind of man coverage skills that are tough to find in the portal. He’s long, athletic, and has the experience to step into a starting role right away.
With Texas A&M looking to solidify its outside corner spots, Gibson is a prime candidate to lock down one of them. If he stays healthy, he could develop into one of the more reliable defensive backs in the conference.
No. 72: OL Wilkin Formby (Alabama transfer)
Offensive line continuity took a major hit this offseason, but Wilkin Formby offers a stabilizing presence-and some much-needed flexibility.
The former Top247 recruit and Alabama veteran brings 16 career starts to the table and can play both guard and tackle. That versatility is gold for an Aggies offensive line that’s still figuring out its best five.
If LSU transfer Tyree Adams settles in at right tackle, don’t be surprised to see Formby make a serious push for the left tackle job. Either way, he’s expected to be a key piece in the trenches.
No. 92: EDGE Anto Saka (Northwestern transfer)
Replacing a player like Cashius Howell is no small task, but Anto Saka has the tools to grow into that role. While he’s still developing, the raw pass-rushing ability is there-and he’s now in a system that knows how to maximize it.
Saka lands in a favorable situation under Mike Elko, whose defensive schemes have consistently produced high-level edge play. Lining up opposite sophomore Marco Jones, Saka has a chance to become a disruptive force off the edge. NFL scouts are already watching closely, and if he puts it all together, he could become the next standout in a long line of Aggie pass rushers.
All four of these transfers are expected to either start or play major rotational roles in 2026, and their arrival signals that Texas A&M isn’t just trying to maintain last season’s success-they’re aiming to build on it.
With a retooled roster and a proven head coach at the helm, the Aggies are positioning themselves for another serious run at the College Football Playoff.