After Playoff Exit, Texas A&M LB Taurean York Weighs NFL Draft Decision
Texas A&M’s season came to a grinding halt over the weekend, as the No. 7 Aggies were bounced from the College Football Playoff in a 10-3 loss to No.
10 Miami. It was a frustrating end for a team with championship aspirations, and while the defense held strong, the Aggies’ offense couldn’t find the end zone once - a tough pill to swallow for a unit led by quarterback Marcel Reed and offensive coordinator Collin Klein.
Now, with the season officially in the books, attention shifts to the next chapter - and for standout linebacker Taurean York, that means a decision on whether to enter the 2026 NFL Draft.
“I’ve never been through something like this,” York said after the loss. “That’s what this week is for.
I’m going to talk it through with my family. I’m going to pray and hope I land on the right direction.”
York, who earned All-SEC Second Team honors this season, has emerged as one of the leaders of this Aggies defense. He’s eligible to declare for the draft and is currently viewed as a borderline top-100 pick - a third-round projection according to NFL Mock Draft Database.
That puts him in a tier with two other Aggies: edge rusher Cashius Howell and wide receiver Kevin Concepcion. Howell, who’s out of eligibility, is expected to be a first-rounder, while Concepcion - after transferring in from NC State - still has the option to return.
For York, the decision isn’t as cut-and-dry. He’s proven he can play at a high level in the SEC, but another year in College Station could help him sharpen his game and potentially boost his draft stock into Day 1 or early Day 2 territory. And with NIL opportunities now part of the equation, staying another year doesn’t necessarily mean missing out financially.
Let’s be real - talent hasn’t been the issue at Texas A&M. The Aggies have consistently recruited at an elite level and have the resources to be major players in the transfer portal.
The challenge has been turning that talent into consistent execution. That’s where Mike Elko comes in.
In his first season at the helm, he brought a renewed sense of discipline and direction, and getting to the CFP - even with a first-round exit - is a step forward.
That’s also why York’s leadership could be crucial next season. He’s been through the battles, understands what it takes to get to the playoff stage, and could be the kind of veteran presence that helps Elko take this program from contender to legitimate title threat. You can bet there are guys in that locker room who aren’t ready for the ride to end - and York might be one of them.
Of course, the flip side is clear: if York’s draft grade holds steady and the opportunity is there, it’s hard to fault him for making the leap. Every player’s path is different, and the timing has to feel right. As York himself said, this is a decision that takes time - a week to step back, breathe, and figure out what’s best for him and his family.
Whether he returns to Aggieland for one more run or heads to the pros, York has earned the right to make that call on his own terms. He’s done everything right to put himself in this position - now it’s just about choosing the next step.