Texas A&M’s tight end room is undergoing a notable transformation heading into the 2026 season - and the ripple effects could be felt across the Aggies’ entire offensive identity.
The departures of Nate Boerkircher and Theo Melin-Ohrstrom leave a void, particularly in the blocking game. Boerkircher, in particular, turned out to be a revelation.
He wasn’t just solid - he was the highest-graded run-blocking tight end in the SEC, according to Pro Football Focus. That kind of production doesn’t just happen by accident.
His presence on the edge gave A&M a real boost in the run game last season, helping them stretch plays outside in a way they simply couldn’t in 2024. He may not have been the flashiest name on the roster, but his impact was undeniable.
Now, the Aggies are pivoting. With Boerkircher and Melin-Ohrstrom gone, the staff dipped into the transfer portal and brought in two intriguing additions: Richie Anderson from Fresno State and Houston Thomas from UTSA.
Both bring receiving chops to the table, but neither has made a name for themselves as dominant blockers. That’s a clear shift in profile from what A&M had in 2025.
Thomas, in particular, is more of a hybrid weapon than a traditional tight end. At UTSA, he was often deployed in the slot, more wide receiver than in-line bruiser.
His skillset leans toward stretching the field and making plays after the catch - think seam routes and mismatches against linebackers. Anderson is a bit more traditional, but still, blocking hasn’t been a strong suit for either player.
The Aggies are clearly emphasizing versatility and pass-catching ability with these pickups, but it does raise questions about how the run game will be supported on the edge moving forward.
Then there’s Kiotti Armstrong, a second-year player with a fascinating profile. Listed at 6-foot-5 and 275 pounds, Armstrong has the kind of size that screams offensive tackle - and it’s worth noting that former A&M tight end Dametrious Crownover made that very transition after arriving from a smaller program.
But Armstrong isn’t just a big body. In high school, he lined up outside and showed some athleticism in space.
That said, the jump in competition and role adjustment has been a challenge.
Even when matched up against smaller defenders in the run game, Armstrong’s size didn’t automatically translate to dominance. There’s still a learning curve - both in terms of technique and understanding defensive coverages when running routes. The physical tools are there, but the refinement is still a work in progress.
Altogether, this tight end group is in flux. The Aggies are moving from a more traditional, blocking-first identity at the position to one that leans into athleticism and receiving upside.
That’s not necessarily a bad thing - it just means the offense may look a little different in 2026. The key will be finding the right balance: if Anderson and Thomas can hold their own enough in the run game to keep defenses honest, and if Armstrong can continue to develop into a dual-threat option, Texas A&M’s offense could evolve into something more dynamic - even if it’s built a little differently than it was a year ago.