Mike Elko didn’t waste time when it came to reshaping Texas A&M’s roster. After a season that saw the Aggies reach the College Football Playoff behind a veteran-heavy squad, Elko faced the kind of offseason that separates good programs from great ones - one filled with departures, particularly in the trenches, and the urgent need to reload without losing momentum.
Appearing on ESPN Central Texas’ House of Football, recruiting insider Jeff Tarpley outlined how Elko and his staff have approached the challenge. The focus? Replacing a wave of experienced talent - especially along the offensive and defensive lines - with players who may not have the same mileage but bring valuable reps and upside through the NCAA Transfer Portal.
Let’s start with the offensive line. A&M had to replace a core group of linemen who were not only physically mature but had logged countless reps over the years - the kind of experience that’s tough to replicate.
These were players who had been through the wars of SEC play, who had built muscle memory from years of practices and game action. That level of cohesion doesn’t come easy.
But here’s where the modern era of college football offers a lifeline: the portal. Instead of relying on underclassmen who’ve barely seen the field, Elko went out and brought in four offensive linemen who started in the SEC last season.
These aren’t fifth-year seniors, but they’re not green either. Most are in their second or third year, and they’ve got double-digit starts under their belts.
That’s a massive difference compared to plugging in a redshirt freshman with two games of mop-up duty.
Sure, there’s going to be a drop-off - you don’t lose that much experience without some growing pains. But it’s not the freefall it might have been in the pre-portal era.
This is more of a step back than a cliff dive. The floor has been raised, and that’s exactly what Elko was aiming for.
The defensive line faced a similar overhaul. The most notable loss was edge rusher Cashius Howell, a disruptive force up front.
But again, the portal came through. The Aggies added multiple defensive ends and interior linemen, many of whom still have multiple years of eligibility.
That’s important - it means these aren’t just short-term Band-Aids. They’re players who can grow in the system, contribute now, and develop into leaders down the line.
What Elko’s done here is smart, calculated roster management. He’s not just trying to survive the transition - he’s positioning A&M to remain a factor in the playoff race. By targeting players with SEC experience and multiple years left to play, he’s built a bridge between last year’s veteran squad and the next wave of Aggie talent.
This is the new blueprint for sustained success in college football. It’s not just about stacking blue-chip recruits anymore.
It’s about blending them with proven college players who can step in and contribute right away. Elko understands that, and he’s executing it with precision.
The result? A&M may not be quite as seasoned in 2026 as they were in 2025, but they’re not resetting - they’re reloading. And as long as the wins keep coming, so will the recruits.