Since the NCAA transfer portal opened on January 9, Texas A&M has been one of the most aggressive and effective programs in the country, hauling in 18 new players in just over a week. Head coach Mike Elko isn’t wasting any time reshaping the roster after a 10-3 finish in 2025 that ended with a first-round College Football Playoff loss to Miami.
At the top of the list is former Alabama wide receiver Isaiah Horton, a big-time pickup who brings SEC experience and playmaking potential to a receiving corps that needed a spark. Horton is the headliner, but he’s far from the only name to know in this loaded transfer class.
Addressing the Glaring Needs
Let’s rewind for a moment. Texas A&M’s late-season issues in 2025 were no secret.
The Aggies struggled to stop the run, especially against explosive plays, and the offense lost its balance down the stretch. That trend continued in the postseason loss to Miami and clearly shaped the staff’s approach to the portal.
Elko also had to brace for a wave of departures. Five offensive linemen are off to the NFL Draft, and standout linebacker Taurean York declared early, leaving a major hole in the middle of the defense. Add in nearly a dozen players transferring out, and the Aggies had work to do - not just to replace bodies, but to upgrade.
And that’s exactly what they’ve done.
A Transfer Class Built to Compete Right Away
The 2026 transfer class is built around proven, productive veterans - guys who aren’t coming in just to fill out the depth chart. These are players who will compete for starting jobs this spring and play meaningful roles in the fall.
On the defensive side, Northwestern edge rusher Anto Saka and North Carolina defensive lineman CJ Mims are two names generating real buzz. Saka brings a high motor and experience off the edge, while Mims adds depth and power to a defensive front that needed reinforcements.
In the secondary, Tennessee cornerback Rickey Gibson and Colorado safety Tawfiq Byard bring versatility and depth to a unit that’s now deeper than it’s been in years. The return of Bryce Anderson - who withdrew his name from the transfer portal - only strengthens the group. Anderson is expected to compete for the starting nickel role and could be a key piece in Elko’s defensive puzzle.
On offense, the Aggies reloaded in the trenches with four offensive linemen from Power Five programs: Alabama’s Wilkin Formby, LSU’s Tyree Adams and Coen Echols, and South Carolina’s Trovon Baugh. All four could factor into a revamped offensive line that will look very different in 2026.
Tight end depth was also addressed with the additions of UTSA’s Houston Thomas and Fresno State’s Richie Anderson, while Tulsa linebacker Ray Coney and Houston Christian’s TJ Smith add competition and depth to the linebacker room.
Here’s a full look at the 18-player haul so far, ranked by On3’s transfer portal rankings:
- Wilkin Formby (OL, Alabama) - 94th overall
- Tyree Adams (OL, LSU) - 195th
- Coen Echols (OL, LSU) - 227th
- Anto Saka (Edge, Northwestern) - 236th
- Brandon Davis-Swain (DL, Colorado) - 306th
- Rickey Gibson (CB, Tennessee) - 322nd
- Isaiah Horton (WR, Alabama) - 337th
- Trovon Baugh (OL, South Carolina) - 510th
- Houston Thomas (TE, UTSA) - 1235th
- Unnamed DL (Illinois) - 1274th
- Ryan Henderson (Edge, San Diego State) - 1289th
- Tawfiq Byard (S, Colorado) - 1447th
- Richie Anderson (TE, Fresno State) - 1582nd
- CJ Mims (DL, North Carolina) - 1683rd
- David Olano (K, Illinois) - 1866th
- Ray Coney (LB, Tulsa) - 2093rd
- TJ Smith (LB, Houston Christian) - 2169th
- Tanyon Freibaum (LS, Oklahoma State) - unranked
According to On3, the Aggies’ transfer class ranks 3rd nationally, while 247Sports places them 9th - a strong indication of how well Elko and his staff have navigated the portal.
What’s Still Missing?
There are still a couple of boxes left to check. The running back room remains largely untouched, with Le’Veon Moss and Amari Daniels still in place, but adding a bigger, between-the-tackles back could give the group a more complete look. That’s likely a target before the portal officially closes.
Then there’s the quarterback depth chart. With Miles O’Neill transferring to North Carolina, the backup spot behind starter Marcel Reed is wide open - and still unresolved. Don’t be surprised if the Aggies explore a late addition at QB, even if it’s just for insurance.
Final Thoughts
Texas A&M didn’t just patch holes - they brought in high-upside players who can elevate the floor and ceiling of this roster. Horton gives them a vertical threat.
Saka and Mims beef up the defensive front. The offensive line got a much-needed overhaul.
And the secondary looks deeper and more versatile than it has in years.
If the Aggies can land one more linebacker and a power back, this transfer class could go from very good to elite. For now, it’s safe to say Elko has put together one of the most impactful portal hauls in the country - a B+ class with the potential to hit an A if the final pieces fall into place.