Texas A&M has been one of the more active programs in the transfer portal this offseason, and with 17 additions already on board, the Aggies have done some serious roster reshaping under new head coach Mike Elko. But with the portal window closing fast, there’s still a chance we haven’t seen the final move just yet-especially when it comes to bolstering depth at linebacker and running back.
Let’s start with what’s already in place. On the offensive line, the staff has made clear upgrades, bringing in four veteran transfers to solidify protection and create more push up front.
That was a major need, and they addressed it aggressively. Defensively, the linebacker room has seen some turnover, and while Elko’s group returns experience, it’s thin when it comes to players familiar with his system.
The addition of Tulsa transfer Ray Coney is a big one. He racked up 128 tackles last season and brings a reputation as an elite run stopper.
That’s exactly what this defense needs after losing key contributors Taurean York and Scooby Williams to the NFL Draft. With those two gone, senior Daymion Sanford becomes the only returning linebacker with experience in Elko’s scheme-a fact that underscores just how valuable Coney’s presence will be.
Still, there's a sense that one more veteran linebacker could be the missing piece. If the Aggies land that final puzzle piece, they could flip a run defense that struggled last year into a legitimate strength.
And with edge rushers like Anto Saka and Ryan Henderson now in the fold, the pass rush potential is already looking dangerous. Add a rangy, instinctive linebacker to clean things up behind them, and suddenly this defense could be cooking with gas.
As the clock ticks down on the portal window, the question becomes: who’s still out there?
One name to watch is Ole Miss transfer TJ Dottery, who’s drawing interest from multiple programs, including LSU and former Rebels head coach Lane Kiffin. But the bigger splash could come from Tennessee’s Arion Carter, who officially hit the portal Friday. Carter is a high-upside linebacker with SEC experience, and his availability immediately sparked interest from top-tier programs.
According to reports, Alabama and Texas A&M are among the early contenders for Carter’s services, and while there’s no confirmed connection between him and the Aggies just yet, there’s reportedly mutual interest. If that interest turns into action, it could be a game-changer for A&M’s defense.
Carter logged 76 tackles and 1.5 sacks last season-solid production that hints at even more potential in the right system. He’s the kind of player who can step in and contribute right away, especially in a unit looking to replace NFL-caliber talent.
Texas A&M has done a lot of work this offseason to shore up its roster, but with the portal closing soon, the final moves could be the most impactful. If Elko and his staff manage to land one more difference-maker at linebacker, the Aggies might just close out this transfer cycle with one of the most complete defenses in the SEC.