Texas A&M’s tight end room is heading for a major reset in 2026-and it’s not just about replacing talent, it’s about rebuilding an entire identity. With seniors Nate Boerkircher and Amari Niblack both out of eligibility and headed for the NFL Draft, and now junior Theo Melin Öhrström entering the transfer portal, new head coach Mike Elko and tight ends coach Derek Shay are staring down a full-scale retooling of the position.
Let’s start with Niblack. The Florida native came to College Station with high expectations after stints at Alabama and Texas.
At 6'3", 235 pounds, he’s built like a classic mismatch tight end-too quick for linebackers, too big for corners. But in his lone season with the Aggies, he never quite found his rhythm as a pass-catching threat.
Instead, he carved out a role as a more reliable pass protector, finishing the year with just five receptions for 59 yards.
That stat line doesn’t tell the whole story, though. Niblack’s potential as a hybrid weapon is still very real.
His 2023 campaign remains the best snapshot of what he can do when used effectively-327 yards, four touchdowns, and an eye-catching 16.4 yards per catch. There were flashes of a player who could stretch the field from the tight end spot, using his frame and athleticism to create separation and make plays down the seam.
But this season, the emergence of Nate Boerkircher as a go-to option in the passing game meant Niblack’s opportunities were limited. That’s the kind of situation that can frustrate both players and coaches-knowing there’s untapped potential on the roster, but not quite being able to unlock it in time. It’s the “what if” that lingers in the minds of fans and staff alike.
Now, with Niblack officially declaring for the 2026 NFL Draft, he’ll look to prove he belongs at the next level. Most projections have him as a likely undrafted free agent, but that doesn’t mean the door is closed.
Players with his physical tools often find a way onto rosters, especially if they can contribute on special teams or show growth in training camp. The preseason will be his proving ground.
For Texas A&M, the departure of Niblack, Boerkircher, and Öhrström leaves a massive void at tight end. That means Elko and Shay will need to be aggressive in the transfer portal, not just to fill roster spots, but to find guys who can contribute right away. The tight end position has become a vital piece of modern offenses, and the Aggies can’t afford to treat it as an afterthought.
This offseason will be a test of the new staff’s ability to evaluate and recruit talent quickly. The tight end room isn’t just empty-it’s a blank slate. What they build next will go a long way in shaping the identity of this offense in 2026 and beyond.