Could Adam Trick Be Texas A&M’s Next Transfer Portal Gem?
Texas A&M struck gold last year with Cashius Howell, a former MAC standout who made the leap from Bowling Green to College Station and never looked back. Howell didn’t just fill a role-he dominated it, becoming a unanimous All-American and putting himself squarely in the first-round NFL Draft conversation. Now, with Howell off to the pros, the Aggies could be eyeing a familiar path to reload: the MAC pipeline.
Enter Adam Trick.
The edge rusher from Miami (OH) is one of the most intriguing names expected to hit the transfer portal. Over four seasons with the RedHawks, Trick put together a strong resume: 102 total tackles, 13 sacks, and a breakout 8.5-sack campaign this past year.
He’s got burst, length, and a motor that doesn’t quit-traits that tend to translate well, no matter the conference. And with Texas A&M now searching for a new disruptor off the edge, Trick fits the mold.
Mike Elko’s Blueprint: Talent Over Hype
One of the defining traits of Mike Elko’s coaching style is his no-frills approach to roster building. He’s not chasing stars or headlines-he’s chasing production.
That mindset helped turn Howell into a household name in College Station, and it’s why a player like Trick could be an ideal fit. Elko doesn’t care where you started your career-he cares about how you finish it.
And Trick, like Howell before him, looks like a guy who’s only getting better.
There’s something to be said about players who come out of the MAC with a chip on their shoulder. They weren’t five-star recruits.
They weren’t handed anything. But they’ve put in the work, developed year over year, and now they’re ready for the spotlight.
Trick has that same edge to his game-literally and figuratively. He plays with urgency, with purpose.
And in a conference like the SEC, that hunger matters.
Plug-and-Play Potential
If Trick does land in College Station, don’t be surprised if he’s an immediate contributor. Texas A&M will be looking to replace Howell’s production, and Trick brings a similar skill set: quick off the snap, disruptive in the backfield, and capable of creating chaos on third down. He’s not just a depth piece-he’s the kind of player who could step in and make an impact from day one.
Of course, nothing is guaranteed. Just because the Aggies may want Trick doesn’t mean he’s headed there.
The portal is a wild place, and top-tier talent like Trick will have options. But Texas A&M has proven it can be a landing spot for players looking to elevate their game and their draft stock.
The Bigger Picture in College Station
Regardless of whether Trick ends up wearing maroon and white, one thing is clear: Mike Elko is building something real at Texas A&M. He’s reshaping the culture, focusing on toughness, development, and defensive excellence. And he’s doing it by finding the right pieces, whether they come from high school, the SEC, or the MAC.
The transfer portal opens this weekend, and you can expect the Aggies to be active. They know what they’re looking for-and they’ve already shown they know where to find it. If Trick is the next name to follow the Howell path, don’t be surprised if he thrives in College Station.
Because if there’s one thing we’ve learned under Elko, it’s this: talent rises, no matter where it starts.