Texas A&M’s tight end room is heading for a major overhaul, and the transition is already in motion. With Theo Melin Öhrström entering the transfer portal and both Nate Boerkircher and Amari Niblack declaring for the NFL Draft after exhausting their eligibility, the Aggies are staring at a depth chart that’s suddenly wide open.
Right now, all eyes are on Kiotti Armstrong, the promising sophomore who looks like the next man up. But make no mistake-head coach Mike Elko and new offensive coordinator Holmon Wiggins aren’t just going to hand over the reins without exploring veteran options. This is a position that plays a pivotal role in Wiggins’ offensive scheme, and Texas A&M is in the market for immediate-impact talent.
That search has already turned up some intriguing possibilities in the transfer portal. Iowa State’s Benjamin Brahmer and Tulsa’s Brody Foley headline the list of available tight ends, and while landing either would come at a premium, both would provide an instant upgrade. Brahmer brings size and athleticism, while Foley offers versatility and upside-two traits that could fit seamlessly into what Wiggins wants to build in College Station.
But there’s another name to watch, and this one comes with a hometown connection: Houston Thomas. The UTSA tight end-who just wrapped up a four-year career with the Roadrunners-is set to enter the portal on Saturday. A College Station native, Thomas brings more than just local ties; he brings production and polish.
At 6-foot-5 and nearly 250 pounds, Thomas is a big-bodied target with soft hands and a knack for finding space in the middle of the field. Over the past two seasons, he’s hauled in 34 receptions each year, totaling 918 yards and five touchdowns during his time at UTSA. That kind of consistency matters, especially in an offense looking for reliability at the position.
Pro Football Focus gave Thomas solid marks across the board-67.4 in receiving and 66.3 in pass protection. Those numbers reflect a well-rounded skill set, but what sets him apart is his proven ability as a pass catcher. Unlike Boerkircher, who developed as a blocker before emerging as a surprise weapon in the passing game, Thomas is already a known commodity when it comes to stretching the seam and creating mismatches against linebackers.
For starting quarterback Marcel Reed, adding a player like Thomas could be a game-changer. A reliable tight end can be a young quarterback’s best friend, especially one who can make tough catches in traffic and move the chains on third down. Thomas fits that mold.
As the Aggies continue to reshape their offense under Elko and Wiggins, the tight end position remains a top priority. Whether it’s a high-profile portal addition like Brahmer or a hometown product like Thomas, Texas A&M is clearly looking to reload-not rebuild-at a spot that’s become increasingly important in today’s college football landscape.